Campus Police Log: Feb. 14 to Feb. 21
The latest installment of the Police Log, from Feb. 14 to Feb. 21, can be found here.
News
Student Dance Groups Upset at Planned Conversion of Nicholls Biondi Studio
Student dance groups felt blindsided by the proposed conversion the Nicholls Biondi studio, a crucial rehearsal space, into a satellite fitness center. Administrators have since paused the project after receiving significant pushback.
Administration Releases Plan To Support Student Well-being
Following a semester that saw surging demand for mental health support, the administration provided an update on Feb. 8 regarding the college’s efforts to better support student well-being, including bolstering the Counseling Center, new college-wide activities, and loosening of Covid restrictions.
UMass To Make Abortion Pills Available Starting Next Fall
Starting in Fall 2022, UMass Amherst’s health center will make medication abortions available to all students, citing accessibility and student demand as reasons for its decision. Amherst College is joining the conversation, but will likely not offer such services anytime soon.
Lipstadt Talk Prompts Students To Ponder Antisemitism, Jewish Community
Deborah E. Lipstadt, President Biden’s nominee for Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, gave a talk on Feb. 10 titled “Antisemitism: The Ubiquitous Hatred.” She explained the ideology behind antisemitism, leading students to express concerns about antisemitism at the college.
Town of Amherst Moves Forward With Reparations for Black Residents
Following the Amherst Town Council’s June 2021 vote to establish a reparations fund for Black residents, the Town is implementing community engagement plans to develop a strategy through which the reparations will ultimately be distributed.
Spring Event Policy Updated, Adds Restrictions to Dorm Use
A Feb. 14 email communicated stricter rules for event registration in the Spring 2022 semester. Students expressed confusion and frustration about party policies that they believe disproportionately affect certain student organizations and do not lead to safer practices.