UC leaders maintain their condemnation of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
The University of California Stands Firm in Condemning Hamas Attack on Israel
The University of California’s (UC) top leaders have reaffirmed their condemnation of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, despite facing criticism from a faculty group.
Following the initial attack that claimed the lives of over 1,400 Israelis, UC’s Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib and President Michael Drake issued a statement on Oct. 9 denouncing the act of terrorism.
“This was an act of terrorism, launched on a major Jewish holiday,” the statement read. “What should have been a quiet weekend of rest turned into days of unspeakable terror and shock. The violence is sickening and incomprehensible, and as of this moment we still do not know the fate of the hostages. This act deserves and requires our collective condemnation.”
The university leaders also expressed empathy for members of the UC community who may have been affected by the events and encouraged them to seek support services on campus.
However, the statement received criticism from the UC Ethnic Studies Faculty Council, representing over 300 faculty members, who condemned the leaders’ use of the term “terrorists” to describe Hamas. They argued that it distorted and misrepresented the situation in Gaza, contributing to the erasure of Palestinian daily reality.
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In response, UC Regent Jay Sures wrote a letter on Oct. 31, expressing his strong disagreement with the faculty group’s stance. He described their position as “appalling and repugnant” and defended the university’s condemnation of the Hamas attack.
“Our statement of condemnation of the Oct. 7 massacre of Israeli civilians by Hamas was absolutely justified and necessary because terrorism has no place in our world,” Mr. Sures wrote.
Mr. Sures further justified the use of the term “terrorism” by highlighting the shocking brutality of Hamas, including the targeting of innocent civilians of all ages and the kidnapping of over 230 people to Gaza.
According to Israeli officials, as of Oct. 31, over 1,400 Israelis have been killed and 5,400 injured. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health reported that at least 8,525 Palestinians have been killed and 21,543 injured since the initial attack.
Earlier, UC evacuated its students studying abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, although the exact number of students in the program was not disclosed.
How can engaging in respectful dialogue and addressing concerns through mutual understanding contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious academic environment
Hey argued that the term is politically charged and undermines an open and inclusive academic environment. The council called for the university officials to retract their statement and engage in a dialogue to address the concerns raised.
In response to the criticism, UC Chancellor Pradeep Khosla released a statement defending the university’s stance. He stated that while the university respects the diverse perspectives of its faculty, it also recognizes the importance of condemning acts of violence and terrorism. He emphasized that the statement was not an attack on any specific group or individuals, but rather an affirmation of the university’s commitment to peace, safety, and justice.
The university’s position is consistent with its long-standing policy of supporting peaceful resolution to conflicts and promoting inclusivity on campus. The statement was not intended to suppress academic freedom or stifle debate, but rather to assert the university’s values and express solidarity with those affected by the attack.
It is essential to underscore that the University of California, as a leading academic institution, has a responsibility to condemn violence and terrorism. By doing so, it sends a clear message that such acts have no place in a civilized society. This condemnation does not infringe upon the freedom of thought or expression, but instead reinforces the principles of mutual respect and understanding that underpin the university’s mission.
Engaging in a dialogue with the Ethnic Studies Faculty Council and other concerned parties is crucial for fostering understanding and addressing any legitimate grievances. This dialogue should be based on mutual respect, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen and learn from one another. It is through such conversations that lasting solutions can be found and a more inclusive and harmonious academic environment can be nurtured.
In times of conflict and division, it is the responsibility of academic institutions to uphold their values and stand firm in condemning acts of violence. The University of California has done just that, demonstrating its commitment to peace, justice, and the well-being of its community. It is by standing together and addressing concerns through respectful dialogue that we can move towards a world free from violence and strife.
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