Peace College administration banned its alumni from participating in a campus tradition over the weekend as a result of recent protests to announced changes to the College.

Representatives of the women’s college announced July 21 that the college would not only change its name to William Peace University, it would begin to admit male students—changes that have not settled well with alumni, who have staged sit ins and other activities to fight these changes.

Because of these protests, Peace College’s Board of Trustees—who refused to speak directly with the Technician—issued the following statement, stating alumni would not be able to help with move-in weekend, and would not be allowed past campus security.

“Our announcement to become coeducational is a challenging one for some of our alumnae. We were informed that some alumnae were planning to disrupt move-in day as a means to protest this decision. Therefore, and upon the advice of the Raleigh Police Department, the decision was made to limit participation during move-in day to ensure the safety and privacy of our students,” the statement read.

Beth Falkner , ’04 Peace College alum, said she felt the college’s actions were unnecessary and offensive.

“This was a great tradition because when a student comes to campus to move in, it’s really a surprise for them to find out that they don’t move their stuff in. The recent alumni come out and move their stuff in for them,” Falkner said. “We were really disappointed. We were never going to protest on Saturday because we don’t want to detract from the move in day experience. That was never part of our agenda. The last thing you need to see as an incoming freshman is to come on campus and see a protest.”

The Board of Trustees’ statement also said administration will remain firm on the recent decisions to change Peace College despite the ongoing protests.

“We acknowledge that some are having difficulty in accepting this new path for our educational institution. The decision to become coeducational has been made, and it will be implemented. We know that this transition is the best choice to ensure the long-term success for Peace,” the statement read.

But according to the Preserve Peace College Campaign website, alumni aren’t the only ones who have a problem with these changes, as many students and alumni are expected to participate today in a sit-in in front of the campus from seven a.m . to ten p.m .

Falkner said she feels the administration is treating the situation as if there is no room in William Peace University for Peace College alumni.

“We were shocked that we wouldn’t be allowed on campus. We were told by the police that anyone who goes on campus, doing good or bad, would be led off campus,” Falkner said. “I definitely don’t feel welcome.”

According to Falkner , getting the cold shoulder from her alma mater is a far cry from what she experienced there as an undergraduate.

“I’m a huge N.C . State fan, but I felt it was too big. So I went to Peace and was going to transfer later. But when I got to Peace, it opened me up. When I was on campus at N.C . State, I didn’t feel the same camaraderie. At Peace, I was more focused in the classroom, and didn’t have to worry about if I was liked or think ‘gosh there’s a cute boy over there,'” Falkner said. “It helped me focus and it empowered me. I really learned to listen to my voice and found that I could do anything. I came out a different person.”

But now Falkner said she worries new students will not be afforded the same eye-opening opportunities.

 ”I’m upset about these changes because I became a very strong woman and found my own voice through Peace, and I want future students to have the same,” Falkner said. “There are some things you can’t do as a mixed gender college, so even though they say it won’t change, that’s hard to imagine.”

Falkner said this is certainly not the end of the college’s disputes over this issue, the alumni are still working to support students.

“We are just here to support the students. We do plan on protesting, but know that we’re not planning on being violent. We know exactly what the police have said we can and cannot do, and we will respect that,” Falkner said. “We have a permit to be outside of Peace. Everything is lawful, and will be peaceful.”

So far, Falkner said the college’s administration has answered few of their many questions, further frustrating alumni.

“The administration is not listening to any opposing views, and I’m a strong believer that one of the things you have to do is win over opposition,” Falkner said. “But it was their views and no one else’s. The door was shut and we were left out.”

According to Falkner , the struggles between the college’s administration and its alumni will likely lead to a lessening in support financially.

 ”Many alumni are going to stop giving to the college. Because if we don’t matter, our money doesn’t either,” Falkner said. “I don’t know why they’re so threatened by us—we just want answers.”