Message on Nov. 15 student resolution related to the Middle East

These past five-and-a-half weeks have been challenging for many members of our Bearcats family. We’ve heard from several groups with differing perspectives speaking out regarding the war in the Middle East. On our campus and within our wider community, this has been a time of profound distress, and even anguish for family, friends, and colleagues with ties to the region. In addition, several of our Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students, as well as members from other communities, have shared their struggles in conversations with us.

As a campus community, we are grappling with our differences, even as we – as individuals and groups – seek to clarify and convey deeply held convictions. This includes the proposal submitted for consideration to student government by individual students and some student groups. We are aware of the resolution, realize sentiments will vary by population, and will continue to monitor our campus environment.

As a reminder, students, student groups and others affiliated with the university retain certain rights of free expression under the law. Although they do not speak on behalf of the university, our students have certain rights to speak for themselves. We encourage students to engage in constructive dialogue on complex issues, seek the truth, examine all perspectives, form their own opinions, and be empathetic.

Amid these ongoing debates, we hope everyone will embrace these principles as we strive for a safe and supportive university community. With the rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, we will not tolerate incidents of misconduct on our campus and will adhere to our processes and policies to address them.

It takes real courage to respect difference while giving voice to urgency. As we seek to bridge polarizing viewpoints and continue to take part in important conversations toward meaningful connection, please know that support resources remain available. These include how to report concerns regarding personal safety to UC Public Safety, and/or concerns related to discrimination or harassment to the Office of Equal Opportunity or Student Conduct and Community Standards.  

As we all share a Bearcat bond, we must continue to work diligently to support all members of our community - fostering respect for one another and affirming the dignity and humanity of everyone.

Sincerely,
Bleuzette Marshall, PhD
Vice President for Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact

Nicole Mayo, EdD
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs