I applaud President Eisgruber’s fine words regarding the validity and importance of time, place, and manner restrictions on demonstrations (President’s Page, June issue). What a pity, then, that during Reunions, those proved to be just that — words.
I was enraged and appalled that demonstrators against the war in Gaza were permitted to line the P-rade route, forcing the entirety of returning alums to run a gauntlet of chants such as “how many kids did you kill today?” and “from the river to the sea,” along with accusations that civilian casualties equate to genocide — toxic insults, abuse, and incendiary untruths. It was bad enough that they were given free run of the reunion headquarters, but at least then I could exercise my own rights and walk away. No one should ever be forcibly subjected to any political message, and it is unforgivable that Princeton allowed this to happen to its alums.
The P-rade is the very definition of an inappropriate time and place. It is an event the celebrates unity and our common bonds as Princeton alums. It is and should continue to be determinedly apolitical. I have now marched in 36 and this is the only one I did not enjoy. Since I first set foot on campus as a high school senior and decided Princeton was where I wanted to be, this is the first time I ever felt unwelcome there.
I appreciate the president’s words, but the administration’s deeds speak much louder.