Promoting the Safety of Our Community

November 3, 2023

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,

Over the past few weeks, there has been immense human suffering. Grief, fear, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness are only some of the emotional responses we navigate daily due to the war between Israel and Hamas. We have seen an unacceptable rise in reported incidents of both antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Among these incidents, members of our Jewish community have reported: being cursed, accused, and confronted with hate speech in-person and on social media; and threats against a Jewish group on campus.

Also among these incidents, members of our Muslim community have reported: being the target of accusations and derogatory name-calling; and being verbally harassed, threatened, and followed.

These behaviors have no place in our community. There is no contradiction between free speech and freedom from fear. We will continue to defend free and even contentious political debate. However, when speech becomes threatening, bullying, harassing, and intimidating, it will be addressed consistently with University policies and all applicable laws.

I call upon each of us—faculty, staff, and students—to take a proactive role in promoting the safety of our community and in upholding the well-being of our fellow learners and co-workers. We can start by remaining alert and contacting the Rutgers University Police Department and/or filing a bias report if we witness or experience any threatening behavior. We can continue by looking out for each other and showing all community members the respect we desire for ourselves.

For those deeply invested in the political questions, it is important to realize that we still do not have all the answers. But we can use this moment to deepen our collective understanding. When engaging with fellow students or other members of the campus community, it behooves us all to listen and learn. Avoid using inflammatory language that will anger others rather than enlighten them. Treating other people’s viewpoints with respect can go a long way toward making the campus a more tolerant place for everyone. Finally, social media can be a polarizing force and amplify distress on our campus. Be aware of the impact of your words on others in face-to-face interactions and on social media posts.

I am grateful to our student leaders and the members of our student body who have collaborated with our staff to ensure safe, educative, and productive gatherings. I also wish to thank those professionals to whom we entrust our safety. Many of our faculty and staff have come together to create spaces for dialogue and offer support for students who may be distressed. I appreciate all you are doing to help our students.

I am thankful, too, to the Student Affairs staff, campus counseling, and psychological services, and the members of the Multifaith Council, who have taken the time to be present with our students, listen to their concerns, and offer them helpful counsel. The thoughtful, compassionate work of Chaplain Kaiser Aslam of the Center for Islamic Life and Rabbi Esther Reed of Rutgers Hillel, featured in this Associated Press article, is worthy of emulation.

The RUPD has been closely monitoring social media and actively responding to concerns and—due to the nationwide climate—has been coordinating closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. The University has increased RUPD patrol units and security units, specifically in the areas of affiliated religious and cultural properties. Additionally, the RUPD remains informed of any planned events on campus so that sufficient personnel and security are available to ensure a safe environment. I am deeply grateful for their dedication and vigilance.

Rutgers–New Brunswick has no greater priority than the safety of our community members, and we will remain vigilant in supporting the security of our students and employees. Please review the resources Rutgers offers for students and employees who need emotional and mental health support.

Join me in a recommitment to our campus being a space where we seek understanding, maintaining a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported—and understands the value of supporting each other. We are better together.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick