In an Academic Senate meeting, Chair-woman Caran Colvin led a discussion on the Renne/Brown report regarding the incident involving Professor Antwi Akom.

Colvin said the purpose of the March 28 meeting was to “provide space for conversation on a difficult issue and not to take a position.” Colvin asked academic senators and guests to make suggestions, such as new policies or regulations, which will help prevent future incidents revolving around race, ethnic background or gender.

Sen. Jan Gregory felt that most people are low on facts in regards to the Akom incident. She said that the Renne/Brown report missed many points and suggested the production of a “substantive study we can trust.”

Senators suggested that all staff, students, and campus police become familiar with current building policies and jurisdictions.

Senators raised the issue of confusion about the regulations of campus buildings in regards to hours and distribution of keys to the buildings. Many were confused as to why certain faculty members have keys while others don’t, and proposed that to be a potential problem as seen in Akom’s case.

Other suggestions involved creating new committees. Some senators recommended creating a committee that would monitor racial, cultural and gender issues on campus. Another senator suggested an overseeing committee on the Department of Public Safety, the same department that employs the officers involved in the Oct. 25 incident.

Vice Chairman Robert Williams asked senators and guests not to take sides, but instead, figure out what is best for the entire academic community.