Dear Members of the Campus Community:
Earlier this week, Student Affairs shared an update about an event that will be hosted tomorrow by our Jewish Student Union, a recognized student organization. The student event features guest speakers who are affiliated with the Israeli Defense Force, though they will be participating in this event in a civilian capacity. Jewish Student Union members have shared that their intention for this event is to build bridges through participation in difficult conversations and the respectful sharing of diverse viewpoints. They have affirmed that all voices will be welcome.
As noted in that earlier message, we anticipate that this event may be protested by students and others. Such peaceful protests are appropriate exercises of free speech on a public university campus.
Campus leaders in Student Affairs, University Police and other units have been working closely with the Jewish Student Union and counter protestors to support them in preparing for a safe and productive event. All parties have been informed of our established Free Speech Policies. Among these policies is an unwavering condemnation of acts of hatred, bigotry, racism, intolerance, or violence. There is no place for anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or hate of any kind on our campus, and we will take appropriate action against individuals who engage in such acts.
As a public university comprised of compassionate individuals, we rely on our shared values and commitments around free speech and productive discourse to guide our approach to campus events such as these. SUNY New Paltz is not alone in this work – across the U.S., colleges and universities are navigating challenges that come along with the responsibility of hosting these important conversations, as we have done in recent months with vigils, guest speakers and Student Association events related to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. We should all take pride in our community’s commitment to engaging these brave conversations peacefully.
In a message addressed to the campus community last October, I shared my belief that “As a university, exploring the range of human experiences and ideas is one of the most fundamental contributions we can make to deepening our human connection. It is in these moments, most of all, where we must hold strongly to our mission in words and in actions. In this space, we must nurture and model civility, respect human dignity, and invite reflection even when disagreements exist.” I have also shared my strong conviction that it is through “brave spaces” that we grow and lead.
The students organizing tomorrow’s event and the students planning peaceful counter demonstrations are modeling these core tenets of public higher education in real time. They affirm my sense that this campus community has the ability to rise to these moments, reflect on our shared humanity, create spaces for learning, and model practices that respect our mutual right to participate in productive civil discourse. It is immensely rewarding to witness our students growing into courageous leaders right before our eyes.
Darrell P. Wheeler
President
