Wells College has taken action against an Aurora resident — and alumna — who went on campus and photographed the auction house trucks that were there last week.
The Rev. Barb Blom, who is also a Wells College alumna, told ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» Tuesday that she has been banned from campus. She provided a letter signed by Wells College President Susan Henking notifying her that she is "prohibited from entering or being present on any real property, premises, buildings, or grounds owned, operated or affiliated with Wells College."
"This action has been taken in accordance with institutional policy and is being enforced to maintain the safety, security and well-being of the college community," Henking wrote, adding that failure to comply with the notice "will be considered trespassing and will result in referral to law enforcement and potential legal action."
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Blom said she has been on campus three times since Wells College closed, with two of the visits occurring when she accompanied the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge on a tour. The institute is part of a group that has submitted an offer to buy the campus.
It was the third visit that caught the attention of the college's administration. Blom went on campus last week to ask Wells College security about the trucks owned by STAIR, a Hudson-based auction house. The college has contracted with STAIR to eventually sell some of its assets.
Blom photographed the trucks and posted the images on social media. She also shared them with ÈËÊÞÐÔ½».
Wells College contacted law enforcement and a New York state trooper visited Blom at her house. She said the trooper notified her that she was not allowed on campus.
In an interview with ÈËÊÞÐÔ½», Henking said the campus is closed. It is private property, she added, and "no trespassing" signs are posted.
"There is a protocol to gain permission and only with permission can people come on campus," Henking said.
Blom questioned how the ban would affect her ability to access the Community Medical Center, which is located on campus. Henking told ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» the prohibition does not extend to the medical center.
The public can continue to access the medical center and Peachtown Elementary School. There is also an exception for Wells College Golf Club, which is accessed through the campus.
"I don't want to harm people in terms of their use of medical facilities or the golf course as a business," Henking said.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.