Yesterday several students attended the New College Academic Affairs meeting. BPMH was the first agenda item for this meeting. Several students spoke about the impact this situation has had on them. It seems possible that the administration may now be shifting its position.
We are writing to provide a summary and response following our recent meeting, during which several significant points regarding the ongoing process came up.
On November 30, students are planning a sit-in on campus, motivated by their coursework on Buddhist activist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and “father of mindfulness,” Thích Nhất Hạnh.
Faculty and students were shocked by this sudden news, and by the total absence of any faculty or student consultation. We are asking the Faulty of Arts & Science to revisit their decision about this program and undertake a thorough process of consultation.
We are writing to follow up with you regarding the meeting we had on November 16th, where you shared the news that a recommendation has been made to close the Buddhism, Psychology & Mental Health (BPMH) program.