Prior to an event, the MPT coordinator will assign MPT members to meet with event organizers and/or students, student groups or others who may be planning to protest. MPT members can also collaborate with administrators and staff who may be supporting the event (e.g., University administration, event staff and communicators).
Working with event sponsors/organizers, MPT members can help:
- clarify Brown’s policies, and everyone’s rights and responsibilities;
- act as a thought partner in the planning phase to establish goals, desired outcomes, format and logistics; and
- think through ways to proactively and reactively address potential pushback and controversy.
Working with students or others considering protesting or demonstrating at an event, MPT members can help:
- clarify Brown’s policies, and everyone’s rights and responsibilities;
- think through choices related to having their voices heard, including potential protest; and
- brainstorm proactive and reactive ways to address both opportunities and challenges.
The MPT arrives prior to the start of the event and remains on site as a thought partner to everyone in attendance, including event sponsors, audience members and potential protestors, as needed. The MPT does not prevent or manage dissent or potential protest. Rather, teams work with event organizers and protesters to help them understand policies, options and choices.