November 16, 2023
Dear 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Community:
As the deadly conflict between Hamas and Israel continues, and the death toll continues to mount, our GU community grieves along with all those directly affected by this tragedy. Military action after the terrifying and tragic initial invasion of Israel on October 7th has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including many civilians, and hundreds of Israeli soldiers. We are cognizant of the impact that the ongoing conflict is having in particular on our Muslim and Jewish students, faculty, staff, and families. I join with the many members of our community in standing in solidarity with our Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, Jewish, and Israeli sisters and brothers, recognizing the impact that the crisis in Gaza and Israel is having on them, and offering consolation, support, and care during this difficult time.
Last Thursday, a group of students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered on Foley Lawn to bring attention to the current crisis in Israel and Palestine. Many of the signs advocated for an end to the violence and a ceasefire in the current conflict. I received the letter that was presented on behalf of the group and want to acknowledge the group’s efforts to raise awareness of the very tragic and painful situation that exists today in Palestine, and the impact it is having on members our community. As reflected in my October 7 message, my first concern is always for “those who have been affected by these events, who have family in the region, or who are concerned about the safety and well-being of others.” As I did in that message, I wish to reiterate: if any member of the community would like to speak with someone about your experience or concerns, please consider accessing one of the resources available at gonzaga.edu/CareAndSupport.
In the days since the October 7th attack, I have engaged with students, faculty, staff and administrator colleagues to discuss this very tragic situation and the way it is affecting us. Out of these discussions, I am aware and heartened that there are meaningful efforts by members of the Jewish Student Association and Muslim Student Association, supported by faculty and staff, who are working to create opportunities for dialogue and sharing of experiences and perspectives. I see these students and colleagues modeling care and concern for one another, even as differences in beliefs and perspectives can be acknowledged and respected.
In communities and on college campuses across the United States, individuals and groups have held lectures, forums and demonstrations, and wrestled with ways of venting anger, managing fear, and giving voice to their frustrations over what has happened, is happening, and what social responsibility looks like in view of this situation. The hallmark of an exemplary Jesuit university is one that creates an atmosphere on campus where responsible expression of ideas and civil discourse can occur and are supported. We live today in a society where these foundational elements of not only the academic enterprise, but democracy itself, are becoming more and more difficult to find and actualize.
Even as we engage in civil discourse, we must also maintain our mission-based, ethical, and legal commitments to creating a supportive environment for all members of our community, one in which everyone – regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, or disability – is and feels able to pursue their education free of fear of intimidation or threat.
On some college campuses, activism around the current conflict in Palestine and Israel has become a source of polarization, xenophobia, and discrimination based on religious or national identity. There is evidence that both antisemitism (hostility towards, or prejudice against, Jewish people) and Islamophobia (hostility towards, or prejudice against, Muslim people) have been on the rise nationally and internationally for a number of years. There is certainly concern on the part of many Muslim and Jewish community members that the current situation will give rise to more incidents, as well. One way of increasing awareness, and reducing such incidents, is to create opportunities for learning and awareness; I and my colleagues will continue to identify, sponsor, and support such opportunities in the coming months.
Our Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic mission identity, and the commitments we have made to build a truly inclusive community of belonging, demands of us that we create a campus learning environment that is not only free of discrimination and prejudice, but is actively supportive of all students, faculty, and staff and their right to learn, live, and work in such an environment. Our mission demands it; federal law requires it. Embedded in our commitments to one another is a collective effort to be the kind of place where all members of our community can thrive and feel welcome and supported.
I will continue to support our university’s efforts to understand the issues of our time more deeply. I will also continue to champion the existence of a non-discriminatory, supportive, and truly inclusive learning and living environment for all people – and ask each of the members of our community to do the same. I also ask you to actively engage and intervene responsibly should incidents of bias occur in your presence. Please report any occurrences of harassment or discrimination to the Office of Inclusive Excellence so that such conduct may be investigated and properly addressed.
In a complex world with differing ideologies, it can be difficult to reach agreement or resolution – but this should never stop us from being empathetic; nor should it be a barrier to our efforts to attempt to build understanding between people. As a Jesuit university, we can pray and work for peace; we can seek to learn and educate; and we create opportunities for meaningful engagement with one another. In this way we can simultaneously hold the complexity of this tragic situation and remain true to our core mission.
Sincerely yours,
Thayne M. McCulloh, D.Phil.
President