The horrors of the last week will be forever etched in our minds and hearts. Across countless conversations, I have heard and felt the pain the ongoing war is causing for so many throughout our campus community. My thoughts and prayers go out to every person who has been impacted by the violence, bloodshed, and loss of life. I join in UT Chancellor J.B. Milliken’s statement that reflects our shared values and principles.
As we near the end of a brutal week for so many, I am writing to give the campus community some sense of how our University is both responding and here to help. The conflict in the world has our attention, but our focus remains on the people on our campus. There is nothing more sacred or important than the safety, security, and well-being of our campus community. We, like all UT institutions, will protect everyone’s right to free speech. And to be clear, we have zero tolerance for violence, vandalism, or any activities that threaten other people or the safety of our campus.
Our leadership team has been in direct contact with thousands of our students this week, offering resources and support. University police are working closely with state and local law enforcement to monitor intelligence and ensure heightened security and awareness on and off campus. We have specifically increased patrols around West Campus and areas of heightened sensitivity, including UT's Jewish sorority and fraternities, Texas Hillel, and other communities. Our University police have specific operational safety plans for all events and campus gatherings for the foreseeable future. And, given the broader global threats, we will continue to be especially vigilant over the next days and weeks. We also count on each of us to look out for and be there for each other.
Safety and security also include both the physical and mental health of our community, our student organizations, and each individual. We have a wide array of experts, counselors, and resources who are prepared to serve. We are here for each and every one of you. Please reach out if there is any help we can provide.
There have already been inspiring moments where our faculty, staff, and students have come together to talk, listen, learn, peacefully protest, and raise awareness. As I shared in a message last night with Texas Hillel's Rabbi Stephanie Max, I see our greater UT community – regardless of their religious, cultural, or regional affiliation – coming together to support each other with openness, compassion, and understanding. While we mourn, we will also learn. We will talk. We will debate. We will disagree. And ultimately, I trust, we will come together as a united community – the very definition of a university – and steadfastly move forward through a complex and difficult time.
I am resolute in my commitment to each of you to ensure a safe and peaceful experience for our Texas community. Please continue to be safe and to look out for each other. It is what Longhorns do.
Sincerely yours,
