A letter signed by 33 University of Vermont professors and staff calls on administrators to drop all policy violations against nine students.

The open letter was sent to the University by the English and Film and Television Studies departments. The letter calls on UVM to stop investigating policy violations against protestors who received letters March 18 that stated they were being investigated.

The letter asks the University to make a public apology and uplift student activists rather than punish them.

So far, nine students have been asked to admit they violated campus demonstration policies around disruption, and to engage in “restorative practice,” according to a March 20 letter from the Student Conduct Center.

Daphne Wells, Director of Student Life, said she filed an incident report against the students because they violated policy, which they were warned about in a prior meeting.

“We [UVM administration] never said they couldn’t have their rally…what we said was, doing so inside of Waterman, during the workday, where there are classes…would be a violation,” Wells said. “They [student protestors] knew that. They were clear on that, they said they were going to do it anyway.”

Amanda Martinez, a junior and member of NoNames for Justice, said the support is welcome.

“I’m glad the departments are getting involved,” Martinez said. “Department heads have more power than we do, so I’m glad they’re getting involved and giving support.”

Enrique Corredera, Communications Director for the University, stated in an email to the Cynic that the University has received the letter and is preparing a response.

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This story was updated at 12:52 p.m. March 26.