Dear Scripps College Community Members,
I am writing to share that the Motley reopened on November 5 and that food and beverage services began last week. I am grateful that we have reopened the Motley and begun the process of moving forward together.
In a step towards greater understanding and reconciliation, the Motley student staff, Dr. Sha Bradley, and Dr. Deborrah Hebert participated in restorative conversations to work collectively toward a path forward. Engaging in a restorative process was crucial in creating a space for conversations, ensuring that everyone’s voices were heard, and clarifying factual understandings. Further to these restorative conversations, I also met with Motley student staff members last week to hear directly from them. I understand from these discussions that the closure of the Motley has been especially stressful for the Motley staff.
Based on these meetings, I would like to correct an inaccuracy in my message sent to the community on October 5. The Vice President for Business Affairs clarified that although a scheduled meeting was canceled, the Motley student staff did not refuse to meet with Business Affairs personnel. Additionally, I acknowledge the uncertainty and anxiety caused by communications about Motley student staff payment. Although the College continued to pay Motley student staff throughout the closure period, this intent should have been conveyed to them sooner. I regret the harm and stress the Motley student staff experienced due to inaccurate and delayed information.
Although the Motley student staff and the College have differing perspectives on the other reasons justifying the closure of the Motley, both groups are committed to continuing conversations to clarify and codify policies, operations, roles, and responsibilities for the Motley’s future operations.
In addition to restorative conversations, the College shared documentation describing the College’s legal exposure and obligations as well as options for reopening. Based on this information, Motley student staff collectively decided to remove décor from the walls with the exception of a permanent quilt installation. They also brought forward to the Dean of Students staff draft policies as a starting point to address concerns.
As we move forward together, we ask for your continued support in fostering a culture of empathy and respect. Our collective healing and growth as a community depend on our willingness to actively create an inclusive environment for all.
Thank you for your understanding and dedication to the values we uphold at Scripps.
We look forward to rebuilding and strengthening our community together.
Sincerely,
Amy Marcus-Newhall
President