By Richard Freeland
Northeastern students have been getting quite a bit of attention recently from the Boston press and from some local elected officials, much of it critical of our behavior in the community.
A number of students have asked me why we are being singled out in this way and whether it is fair. Others have wondered if the university is appropriately balancing the concerns of our neighbors and the city with the rights of our students. I have also had specific questions about an ordinance proposed by two Boston city councilors that would require, among other things, that colleges and universities provide police with a list of the names and addresses of all students living off campus in the city of Boston.
I would like to clarify my position and that of the university on these important questions. Let me begin by repeating what many students have heard me say in various forums: I have tremendous admiration for Northeastern students. Northeastern students are an asset and a resource to the city of Boston and truly improve the quality of life in this city through their work in educational, healthcare and athletic programs, to name just a few examples. Many of these student programs directly benefit Boston’s children.
We are part of a great city in a relationship that benefits both the city and students. This relationship also brings with it responsibilities, especially to those who live closest to us and are most affected by our presence. We need to recognize and be respectful of the families, including elderly citizens and children, who live nearby.
When some students — and I believe it is a small number — behave in ways that are disrespectful or disruptive, it reflects poorly on all of us.
Our goal is to be attentive both to the legitimate desire of our students to enjoy college life, whether they are living on or off campus, while recognizing the equally legitimate desire of our neighbors to lead their lives without undue disruption. I believe the balance we have struck so far is an appropriate balance.
On the matter of the proposed ordinance, Northeastern strongly opposes releasing student information to any agency. The confidentiality of such information, and our students’ right to privacy, is of paramount concern. We also believe, the university should have accurate and updated addresses for all students, whether they live on or off campus, and we will be stepping up efforts to obtain this information.
We need this information for a variety of reasons, including ensuring we can contact students in public safety and emergency situations. The fact is that we live in a post-September 11 world, which heightens the need for the university to be able to communicate quickly with students. I believe students and parents agree that the university should obtain accurate off-campus addresses. I also believe, where particular instances warrant it, we should share with local authorities information on whether or not Northeastern students are in residence at a particular address.
Finally, as to the question of whether we are being treated unfairly. We are big and we are changing, and we are having a heightened impact on some of the communities around us. These facts draw attention to us. We need to be sensitive to these realities and to respond to them with maturity and understanding even when they do not seem entirely fair.
My goal for Northeastern is to be a model urban university both in the quality of experience we offer our students and in terms of the constructive impact of our presence on the community. I ask all our students to join with me in representing our university in this way.
— Richard Freeland is the president of Northeastern University.
