Holding to a Vision for Peace

Dear Beach Community,

A student group here at the university recently posted messages on social media that expressed support for recent attacks against Israel.

For many, those posts — and an event the group is planning for this afternoon — are deeply offensive in light of the loss of life and unspeakable violence during this conflict.

We reject any glorification of war or celebration of death, and we acknowledge the pain caused by speech that does.

While we work to foster an environment of mutual respect and civility, we have a constitutional and educational responsibility to uphold freedom of expression — even for ideas and opinions that many find objectionable or abhorrent.

As I mentioned in my email to the campus yesterday, we must hold to a vision of peace and reject violence. We must embrace the immeasurable value of human life. This is at the heart of who we must be as a community.

Jane Close Conoley, Ph.D.
President