This site claims to have 750 signatures already: This is NOT my petition. I remain neutral on the Rider arrests, certain that more facts are needed before rushing to judgment.
Description:
We, the students and alumni of Rider University, express our support for Dean Anthony Campbell and Ada Badgley in the wake of their recent indictments.
As a result of their careers and personal attributes, both Dean Campbell and Ada have touched the world of so many students, many of whom would not be who they are today without their advice and support. Dean Campbell and Ada have dedicated their lives to creating and maintaining an environment that fosters the personal and intellectual development of Rider’s students. Undeniably, tragedy struck Rider’s campus in March, but prosecuting the administration, particularly two of its most caring and influential members, is deplorable. Many students have come to call Rider home and although our community has suffered, prosecuting Dean Campbell and Ada is unwarranted; we look to these exemplary individuals to rebuild our fractured community.
Aside from the many lives that Dean Campbell and Ada have reached personally, they have both strived to ensure the safety of Rider students, Greek and independent. Not only does Rider University have an anti-hazing policy, which students are educated on, but the Office of Greek Life has distributed thorough records of information regarding the harmful effects of aggressive drinking. The Office of Greek Life also succeeded in receiving the approval of creating six Greek house director positions, granting each Greek house a professional staff member responsible for the oversight of building operations and activities. In addition, alcohol awareness programming is provided throughout the campus. In the wake of DeVercelly’s tragic death, the Task Force has implemented many changes regarding alcohol on campus. Included in this is the forbiddance of alcohol at Greek events as well as drastic changes in the alcohol policy for the entire campus. Many of these precautions and revisions are results of the work and dedication of Dean Campbell and Ada. We also recognize the difficulties faced by three of our classmates; we offer our most sincere hopes to them and their families for a positive resolution to this incident.
As students, we appreciate that part of the college experience is becoming your own person, making independent decisions and learning from mistakes. We value its teachable moments, knowing that our time invested in college is not flawless. Dean Campbell and Ada have been guides to many of Rider’s students as we have traveled through college, finding ourselves in the process. Regardless of whether we’re alumni or current students, we’ve all been welcomed into Rider and counseled along the way by Dean Campbell and Ada. As students, we never really think that we can show our appreciation for extraordinary faculty and memorable administrators but through this injustice, we have been given the opportunity. The alumni and students of Rider University stand beside Dean Campbell and Ada, exemplifying our Community Values Statement–“through the time we spend here, we are forever joined to each other and to Rider University.”
Signed,
The Rider University Student Body, Both Past and Present
