April 10, 2021 - Important Updates on Main Street Incident

Dear Campus Community,

We want to provide an update on the Main Street incident that occurred last evening. We will continue to share information if and when additional details are available.

First, let me be very clear: we share the concerns of our campus community for the Ursinus student who was arrested Friday evening. We were in contact with his family both last night and this morning. Our focus is on his well-being, and we are working hard to support a quick resolution to this matter that is least disruptive to our student and his future.

This morning, we also reached out to the chief of the Collegeville Police Department to better understand what transpired and what led to the arrest. We separately spoke with the Collegeville mayor and other community leaders to re-affirm our shared values and to stand unified in opposition to the hate and bigotry expressed so disturbingly by the extremist protestors. A meeting is being organized between the leadership of the borough and the college to discuss a number of collaborative efforts. We believe this is particularly important and timely given our devotion to Pride Week, which concludes this weekend.

We are always inspired by students who stand in solidarity to express our community values. Hate has no place at Ursinus. Personally, I share your frustration that outside groups are more interested in provocation and fear rather than meaningful dialogue—especially when they meet on the Main Street sidewalk or other public property over which Ursinus has no jurisdiction. In the past, we removed this group from campus when they trespassed and intended to disrupt our community. We have no hesitation to do so again should they enter campus property.

We will continue to support the right of our students to peacefully express their views, especially in protest against groups who only seek to divide us. Thank you.

Sincerely,

President Blomberg