Editors’ Note: Student Government Organization (SGO) President Abby Guise ’26 on behalf of SGO
THE STUDENT BODY AT SWARTHMORE COLLEGE ENACT:
WHEREAS, two Swarthmore College students (one current and one former) and seven outside individuals were arrested for trespassing violations at the college on May 3, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the nine individuals are being charged with third-degree misdemeanor trespassing; and
WHEREAS, the individuals have already faced institutional consequences, including semester-long suspensions issued through the College Judiciary Committee and campus bans for non-affiliated individuals; and
WHEREAS, Swarthmore College’s Quaker heritage includes a tradition of engaging in peaceful protest and a commitment to principles of restorative rather than punitive justice; and
WHEREAS, the imposition of criminal penalties in addition to institutional sanctions raises concerns about proportionality and the alignment of such actions with these values;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Student Government Organization (SGO) expresses concern that the continued pursuit of criminal charges in this case is inconsistent with the college’s stated values regarding peaceful protest and restorative justice; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that SGO urges President Val Smith and the college administration to advocate to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office for the dismissal of the charges against the nine individuals; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that SGO encourages the college to prioritize restorative approaches and dialogue in responding to student protest and related conduct.
As a faculty member, I fully support the SGO resolution and believe, as the resolution states, “that the continued pursuit of criminal charges in this case is inconsistent with the college’s stated values regarding peaceful protest and restorative justice.”
I know that many faculty members have signed a letter supporting the same principles listed in this resolution. I would like to publicly restate my support of those principles.