How can I request an exception to this policy?
In extraordinary circumstances, a community member may believe that there is a compelling educational reason for which a Level 3 or equivalent sex offender should be permitted to visit campus. In such circumstances—which are expected to be rare—the host of the proposed visitor is required to submit a written request to the Provost, the Chancellor, and the Executive Vice President and Treasurer, explaining why they believe the sex offender should be permitted to visit campus. At a minimum, the written request should explain how the educational benefits outweigh the risks and the anticipated emotional harms to community members who are survivors of sexual violence as well as any measures that can be implemented to mitigate those risks and harms. A unanimous vote of all three officers is required to override the prohibition on invited visits by Level 3 sex offenders.
What if I have raised an objection about a potential visitor who is not a level-3 sex offender, but about whom I still have concerns about a physical safety threat?
MIT expects that most concerns about physical safety arising from potential visitors to the MIT campus can be addressed and resolved informally through the channels and resources described in this site. There may be times, however, where disagreements about whether a visitor should be permitted to come to campus reach an impasse.
Where the host of a potential invited visitor decides to allow access to campus to the visitor over an objection from a community member based on an imminent threat of physical harm, and the objection has not been resolved informally, the objection should formally be brought to the attention of the appropriate member of the MIT senior leadership team, depending on who is hosting the proposed visitor:
- Provost for faculty hosts;
- Vice President for Human Resources for staff hosts; or
- Chancellor for student hosts.
The relevant senior leader will then review the concerns, consult with appropriate stakeholders, and make a final determination on whether the invited visitor should be allowed to come to campus. The decision of the relevant senior leader will be final. Note: While this process may be useful or appropriate for resolving disputes about other visitors, including those who hold controversial views, it is only formally intended for visitors who may pose an imminent threat of physical harm.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about bringing a visitor to campus or the resources on this website?
If you have additional questions, you can send them to campusvisitors@mit.edu.