Follow-Up Letter to the
Dean of StudentsBy Carlino Giampolo
August 31 2020
Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner
University of PittsburghMr. Bonner
After receiving a copy of my August 27 letter to you (see below), Andy Sheehan of KDKA TV did a story about Vice Chancellor Paul Supowitz's policy communication which supports students hosting parties of up to 25 students while the university is in an "elevated risk posture." Neither you, nor Mr. Supowitz, nor Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, who is responsible for this policy, appeared on camera.
The university only issued this written response: "The letter to landlords, property owners and management companies clarified that the University's policies aligned with those of Allegheny County...The University in no way encourages student gatherings and continues to reinforce safer alternatives for students to remain socially engaged but physically distant."
The university takes absolutely no responsibility for this unconscionable policy. Instead, the chancellor blames Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and the county's COVID-19 policies.
How did you feel knowing the university's response was completely incongruent with your letter to students? Did you feel a conflict within your own conscience and soul? Where does your loyalty lie: with the chancellor, or with the dignity and safety of our community? Are you now willing to publicly renounce this unconscionable policy?
By copy of this letter we are asking Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald to hold a press conference to explain whether he supports Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s unconscionable policy. The chancellor has once again betrayed Mr. Fitzgerald, who also must pause and reflect upon his own conscience and soul, and decide where his loyalty lies.
We are also asking, by copy of this letter, for Oakland Planning and Development Corporation Executive Director Wanda Wilson, members of the Board of Directors, and Councilman Bruce Kraus, who all have a fiduciary duty to protect our community, to hold a press conference to disavow any students hosting parties of up to 25 students while the university is in an "elevated risk posture".
A choice must be made: Path of Dignity or Path of Tragedy.
Note: The initial letter to Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner is at Link 109.
Note: Kenyon Bonner has not responded.
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