College admissions officials at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are telling students that disciplinary action related to protesting gun violence will not negatively impact their chances of getting into school.
Stu Schmill, dean of admissions at MIT, wrote in a Thursday blog post that “disciplinary action associated with meaningful, peaceful participation in a protest will not negatively impact [students’] admissions decision.”
“We believe students should follow compasses over maps, pursuing points of direction rather than specific destinations and trusting they will end up where they belong,” Schmill wrote. “As such, we always encourage students to undertake whatever course of action in life is most meaningful to, and consistent with, their own principles, and not prioritize how it might impact their college applications.”
Colleges typically include a clause in acceptance letters reserving the right to rescind acceptance due to disciplinary action that occurs after admission.
“We have the right to revoke or defer your offer of admission if your conduct does not remain consistent with the high levels of integrity that you have shown in your application,” reads MIT’s acceptance letter.
In the wake of the high school shooting in Florida last week, students nationwide have been taking part in walkouts and protests to call for legislative action on gun control.
A Texas school district has threatened to suspend students who participate in protests against gun violence.
Schmill wrote that students will still have to report to MIT if they receive disciplinary action, but if it is related to “peaceful, meaningful protest” on gun control or other issues, it will not negatively impact their admission.
“We do not view such conduct on its face as inappropriate or inconsistent with their prior conduct, or anything we wouldn't applaud amongst our own students,” he wrote.
The Boston Globe reported that at least three other colleges have issued similar statements to applicants.
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