Rules for Use of Campus Spaces

Dear HGSU-UAW Leadership Team,

Earlier this week, on November 4, I wrote to you regarding concerns over disruption of an exam from picketing activity outside Emerson Hall, and noted that this disruption was in direct conflict with multiple University policies, including the University-wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities (USRR). I asked you to share my message with your members to remind them that, as student workers at Harvard, they must comply with University policies and rules, even during a strike action. Today, I want to again raise concerns over actions by HGSU-UAW members that are in direct conflict with University policies and rules, including the rules for use of campus spaces.

On Wednesday, November 4, HGSU-UAW picketers blocked egress and ingress to University Hall, pounded on the doors, and posted flyers on the entrances to the building and the statue of John Harvard. Additionally, on the same day, 50 or more picketers blocked entrance and egress at the corner of the Areeda and Griswold buildings on the Harvard Law School campus. These actions occurred before I sent the message I refer to in the paragraph above; however, I feel it merits this second message.

Harvard’s campus use rules are in place to protect the right of all members of our community to teach, learn, research, work and live on our campus. They create clear School-based pathways for the planning of programs, convenings and events -- including protests, demonstrations and labor-related picketing. As HGSU-UAW members have been advised on multiple occasions, the campus use rules apply to all campus spaces and all community members must abide by them.

With regard to the actions cited above, the University’s review of each is ongoing. Additionally, let me be clear that this message serves as further notice that HGSU-UAW members who violate University policies and rules while exercising their right to strike will be subject to employment disciplinary action.

Thank you for ensuring that HGSU-UAW will conduct all picketing activity in accordance with University policies and rules. If you have questions regarding the relevant policies going forward, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Paul Curran

Managing Director

Office of Labor and Employee Relations