After a tense summer nationally, and fearing a return of campus protests, college officials call for a peaceful start to the academic year.

Inside Higher Ed reports.

Following summer of shootings and protests, campus officials urge unity

Bracing for another round of student protests as the new academic year begins, college officials are pre-emptively calling for peace and unity on their campuses following a summer of gun violence and political unrest.

Last year, anger over race relations — including issues that were specific to higher education and issues that were not, such as police killings of unarmed black men — led to widespread student protests at campuses across the country. The demonstrations prompted institutions to make some policy changes in regards to support for minority students, as well as compelling several college administrators to step down. The protests also provoked considerable backlash, with several campuses receiving online threats against black students.