A bomb threat at Barnard College has left students and faculty members shaken and outraged. The threat, which specifically targeted the “terrorists/communists that are protesting,” has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of those involved in peaceful demonstrations on campus. However, what is even more concerning is the way in which the school has responded to the incident.
On November 14th, a bomb threat was made against Barnard College, a prestigious women’s liberal arts college in New York City. The threat, which was sent via email, specifically mentioned the ongoing student protests against the school’s ties to the fossil fuel industry. The email stated, “We will not tolerate terrorists/communists on our campus. We will take action to protect our school and our country.”
This threat not only targeted the student protesters, but it also attempted to label them as “terrorists” and “communists.” This is a dangerous and baseless accusation that has been used to discredit and silence activists throughout history. It is a tactic that is often used to delegitimize the voices of those fighting for social and environmental justice.
Despite the clear targeting of the protesters in the bomb threat, the school’s statements failed to acknowledge this fact. In their initial response, Barnard College simply stated that they were “aware of the threat” and were “working closely with law enforcement.” This response completely ignored the fact that the threat was directed at the student protesters and instead focused on the school’s own safety measures.
This lack of acknowledgement and support for the targeted students is deeply concerning. It sends a message that the school is more concerned with protecting its reputation and image than standing up for the safety and well-being of its students. It also perpetuates the harmful narrative that peaceful protests are somehow a threat to society.
The school’s response also failed to address the underlying issue of the student protests. The students have been peacefully demonstrating for weeks, calling on the school to divest from the fossil fuel industry and take action against climate change. This bomb threat only serves to further highlight the urgency and importance of their cause.
It is also worth noting that this is not the first time that the school has failed to support its students in their activism. In 2018, Barnard College faced backlash for its handling of a sexual assault case involving a student activist. The school’s response was criticized for prioritizing the school’s reputation over the well-being of the survivor.
In the face of this bomb threat, it is crucial for Barnard College to take a strong stance in support of its students. The school must condemn the threat and stand in solidarity with the targeted protesters. It is also important for the school to address the underlying issue of the student protests and take meaningful action towards divesting from the fossil fuel industry.
Furthermore, it is imperative for the school to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students over its own image. This means acknowledging and addressing the specific targeting of the student protesters in the bomb threat and providing them with the necessary support and resources.
In times like these, it is crucial for institutions to stand up for what is right and support their students in their fight for justice. Barnard College has a responsibility to its students to create a safe and inclusive environment where their voices are heard and their activism is valued. It is time for the school to take a stand and show its students that they are supported and valued members of the community.
In conclusion, the bomb threat at Barnard College was not just a threat to the school’s safety, but also a direct attack on the student protesters and their cause. It is unacceptable for the school to ignore this fact and fail to support its students in their activism. It is time for Barnard College to take a strong stance against this threat and stand in solidarity with its students. Only then can the school truly live up to its values of social justice and equality.
