Safety surrounding the U.S. presidential inauguration

[Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 | 3:42 pm]

Based on information from national intelligence agencies surrounding the presidential inauguration, police departments across the country, including at the U, are proactively monitoring and increasing security.

Over the coming days, University Police will increase officer presence on campus, and any concerning activity should be reported to 801-585-2677. However, there is currently no indication of protests planned on campus.

Some members of the campus community may choose to participate in planned protests. Other campus community members are encouraged to avoid the Capitol area, government buildings, and downtown Salt Lake City for safety. U employees who work downtown should consult with their supervisors regarding in-person attendance from January 16-20. Housing & Residential Education (HRE) students living downtown should be cognizant of their surroundings, are encouraged to stay indoors if they see protest activities outside and should call the Peterson Heritage Center Information Desk at 801-587-2000 if they need urgent assistance.

Individual rights: The U Speech Policy allows individuals to demonstrate freely, as long as their conduct is not violent, does not unduly disrupt the functioning of the university, interfere with the rights of other members of the university community, or damage university or private property.

Support and resources are available at the SafeU website, through the SafeUT app, and through the U’s Basic Needs Center. The U Counseling Center recently shared eight mental health tips for coping with the election. Additional counseling and support services are available from several entities on campus:

• American Indian Resource Center: 801-581-7019
• Black Cultural Center: 801-213-1441
• Center for Student Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training): 801-581-7776
• Employee Assistance Program (staff): 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619
• LGBT Resource Center: 801-587-7973
• Office for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX: 801-581-8365
• Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066
• University Counseling Center (students only): 801-581-6826
• University Neuropsychiatric Institute crisis line: (available 24/7): 801-587-3000
• Women’s Resource Center: 801-581-8030