University of Chicago Student Body President Allowed to Graduate

CHICAGO, IL - The University of Chicago student body president who faced possible expulsion over his role in a protest at a campus administration building will be allowed to graduate on Saturday afterall.

Tyler Kissinger was placed on “disciplinary probation” for spearheading the May 19 sit-in at Levi Hall, according to the Hyde Park Herald.

He spoke to a crowd that gathered outside the administration building Friday after his disciplinary hearing, which could have resulted in anything from a warning to permanent expulsion.

“I won’t leave you hanging,” Kissinger said. “They decided to put me on disciplinary probation. For the remainder of my time as a student I need to follow the university’s policies. But I will be permitted to graduate tomorrow.”

Kissinger’s meeting with school administrators one day before his graduation was the result of his actions on the day of the protest when he entered the administration building under false pretenses and allowed access for 34 protesters. Kissinger told security that day that he was there on official business as the student body president.

An administration statement indicated “freedom of expression and dissent are fundamental values of the University of Chicago,” but that “all students are expected to follow the policies set forth in the student manual.”

The sit-in was a planned extended protest in favor of higher wages for University workers and more access to records from the University police force that lasted only an hour. Those involved left when threatened with police interaction.

“I’m the first one in my family to graduate from college,” Kissinger said. “This caused a lot of stress for my family, but I think they’ll be excited to see me walk across the stage on Saturday.”

Before Friday’s decision, nearly 200 University of Chicago professors signed a statement in support of Kissinger.

The group statement indicated support for “the right of all members of the University of Chicago community to engage in peaceful protest.”

“Further, we call on the University administration to dismiss all disciplinary charges against Tyler Kissinger and permit him to graduate on June 11, 2016. Free speech, free access to university space, and dialogue among students, faculty, staff, and administrators are essential to the university’s educational mission.

The possibility of expulsion as a punishment for Kissinger was described by the professors as “draconian” and one that “chills dissent.”