By Emma Keyes, Currier Times Staff///

Many wish classes were being canceled this Friday for a positive reason, but unfortunately, it’s actually anything but. Classes and athletic events will be canceled due to the recent rash of hate crimes on campus by an unidentified perpetrator, and a mandated virtual meeting is now scheduled for Friday, February 25th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM to discuss the
consequences and effects of these atrocities. All students, faculty and staff are expected to log on. It’s an unprecedented moment in Curry’s 143 year history.

The event will encourage students, faculty and staff to speak up about how they feel about the situation and look for solutions to get Curry back to the safe, inclusive, campus it is supposed to be. Be watching email for a link to the meeting.

For many members of the Curry community, the past month has been an ordeal.

“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s been terrifying, ” said student Frankie Becchi.

The reason for this meeting is clearly seen, though, here on campus. Painting swastikas on school property, and posting targeted hate messages is not something the campus will tolerate, yet there is disappointment a suspect hasn’t been caught.

“I’m frustrated. I’ve seen this in previous schools,” said staff member Jessica Burke.

Curry president, Kenneth Quigley, sent emails out earlier announcing classes would be remote on Tuesday, February 22nd, and when another swastika was found, the college said classes for the rest of the week would operate in “hyflex” capacity, meaning students could be in-person or on Zoom, if the professor themselves hadn’t decided to be fully on Zoom.

The only in-person exceptions have been for off-campus internships, clinical placements, and student teaching placements. Campus offices, services, and residence halls have also remained open.

Only individuals with a “CLEARED” on their CoVerified app and a Curry I.D. will be allowed on
campus. Only the Admissions Office will be allowed to have visitors from off-campus. Uber and
Lyft drivers will be allowed on campus. However, they will be required to remain in their vehicles
at all times.

The Counseling Center along with a 24/7 Student Support Line are available to
provide a safe space for students. For direct access to trained professionals connect with the
24/7 Student Support Line by calling 617-333-2908. To schedule an appointment with the
Counseling Center call 617-333-2182.

Athletics will proceed as scheduled with heightened
security. Outside spectators are only permitted at basketball games. Public Safety is providing
24/7 escorts around campus. If interested, call (617) 333-2222. Public Safety may perform
escorts off campus when campus shuttle services are halted, or other emergency
circumstances deem it to be necessary.

The Milton Police will be on campus until further notice. They are working with Curry’s Public Safety to assist with their ongoing and thorough investigation. All increased safety and security procedures put in place continue to be in effect.

With school vacation week this week for high schools, the college is still hosting events for prospective students. Admissions has explained the news to these families, and all the Curry community can do or say to them is, “This is not who we are.”