President Wippman’s Writings & Remarks

Bias Incidents On Campus

October 28, 2023

Tags Public Statements

Dear Members of the Hamilton Community,

In the last few days, I have received deeply distressing reports of antisemitic and Islamophobic comments and interactions on our campus. Such incidents are multiplying at colleges across the country, but I am appalled to find Hamilton among them.

We cannot tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any other form of bigotry or intolerance. I encourage anyone encountering bias on campus to report it here.

In this highly polarizing moment, some members of our community have focused on Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks on Israel, others on the escalating Palestinian casualties in Gaza. As the grievous loss of innocent lives on both sides grows, each of us, understandably, views events through the lens of our own backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and perspectives.

Some of our students have indicated that they feel unsafe on our campus and many report feeling grief, anger, loss, anxiety, and fear.

As we grapple with these emotions, we must not lose sight of who we are and why we are here We come together in pursuit of greater meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in our lives. To thrive as an academic community while exercising our rights as active citizens, every student, administrator, and member of faculty and staff must feel welcome and secure. Faced with difficult issues, we should engage and support one another, even—and especially—when we disagree.

I have asked Vice Presidents Card and Bennett to work with me to engage student organizations and other groups and individuals with particular interests in the Israel-Hamas war to foster a stronger commitment to informed and respectful dialogue. Dean Munemo will discuss with interested faculty how best to manage difficult conversations in the classroom.

And I ask all members of our community to come together to create an environment of mutual respect and support.

David