Dear Sagehens,
As many of you are aware, nearly two weeks ago, a Hillel Club gathering to honor the victims of the October 7 massacre was disrupted by masked intruders. The incident left participants, including students and faculty from across the 5Cs, deeply shaken.
The following day, we committed to a full investigation and pledged to pursue appropriate disciplinary action. The individuals believed to be responsible have since issued a communication filled with threatening, dehumanizing and antisemitic language. The sentiments expressed have no place in a community dedicated to teaching, learning, and respectful dialogue.
Over the past two weeks, we have reviewed hours of event video and security footage in an effort to identify the individuals involved. We thank the many members of the 5C community who have submitted information. Your support has aided us in making tangible progress, and I want to take this opportunity to provide an update on where this investigation stands.
Over the past week, we pursued a promising lead on the identities of two of the four individuals. After confirming that neither is affiliated with Pomona, we have worked with our consortial partners, and one of them has positively identified both individuals as its institution’s students. Given the gravity of the alleged offense — and the published statement that has raised significant concerns about similar disruptions in the future — I have initiated an interim campus ban for both individuals, pending further inquiries, and in line with our policy.
Please be aware that consistent with FERPA, we will not provide the identities of the individuals under review. The alleged behavior here is serious, and to ensure an appropriate adjudication is reached, the College is committed to maintaining a fair process.
While their home campus will have ultimate responsibility to determine further disciplinary action, I assure you that Pomona hopes for — and will advocate for — an outcome that ensures our campuses are free of the kind of targeted harassment we witnessed on October 15. In parallel, we are redoubling our efforts to identify the remaining two individuals. We ask members of the 5C community to continue sharing any information that may be relevant by email at oct15disruption@pomona.edu.
Regarding our next steps, I promise to share what I am able as this process moves forward. In the meantime, I want to thank you for your continued care and belief in the kind of community we strive to be.
G. Gabrielle Starr
President, Pomona College
Philip and Gertrude McConnell Professor
Departments of English and Neuroscience