Respecting and Caring for Each Other During Challenging Times

One of the differentiating features of Montclair State University is that even as it has evolved into a large, diverse, dynamic research university with nearly 30,000 students, staff and faculty, we have managed to retain a sense of shared purpose, shared identity. We are, in short, a community, not without fissures and disagreements, but so much more than a collection of individuals with an email address in common.

That sense of community is being tested now more than ever. As horrific events unfold in the Middle East, many of us are heartbroken and feel a complex stew of emotions: grief, anger, disbelief, outrage, frustration and fear. Of course, there is a dramatic variation in our understanding of what is occurring in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank and the region without even shared agreement on the facts being relayed to us in real time.

I cannot sort that out here nor will I try. My goal with this message is to remind us that our community should be a place that is safe and supportive, an environment where we can all express ourselves – can be ourselves – without feeling threatened, violated or vilified.

That is harder than ever because the disagreements that now pull us apart are linked to our identity. I know people on campus who are consumed by fear for family and friends now living in a constant state of danger. Some fear for their own safety right here on campus simply as a function of identity. The situation strains the bonds of our community.

But as I read the messages you have sent me and consider my conversations with students and faculty, I have been struck by the commonality of concerns expressed by individuals with diametrically opposed views of the crisis. The very consistency of these pleas leads me to urge here that we all honor two core principles of community: retain civility and respect in discourse, and commit to an ethic of safety and care.

The diversity of this university is one of its greatest strengths. It truly brings me joy to interact with students who represent a multiplicity of ethnicities, races, genders, nationalities, and religions. Of course, that includes Palestinians, Jews, Israelis, Arabs and Muslims. This presents an incredible learning opportunity for all of us. But it also makes it easy to offend, insult and diminish, both intentionally and inadvertently. Embracing the idea of community – particularly at a university as rich in diversity as our own – means pushing ourselves to avoid this outcome.

Now some would say our commitment to free expression contradicts the emphasis on sensitivity in our communications. It does not. Exercising our legal rights to free speech does not release us from a moral obligation to treat others with respect and to honor our shared humanity. I am repulsed by any antisemitic language and accusations, Islamophobic generalizations and characterizations and other racist and debasing behaviors. At Montclair State University, anti-semitism is not acceptable. Anti-Palestinianism is not acceptable. We reject hatred and should strive to empathize with all who are suffering. Let’s not fall in the trap of dehumanizing through indifference those we see as adversaries.

Please keep that in mind as we continue to follow our Expressive Activity policy. (One specific update: recent rallies and vigils have been conducted in the Quad near the Student Center. But the volume has become disruptive to teaching and learning. Beginning the week of November 6, 2023, all such events will be located at the University’s Amphitheater, to allow safe expression in an area that is accessible but lessens the impact on instruction, especially during this critical time in the semester.)

The second value we simply cannot abandon is a commitment to an ethic of safety and care – for one another and for ourselves. Many stressors are taking a toll on every one of us. I am genuinely concerned about increases in behavior that suggest deep struggles for our students, staff and faculty.

This is part of the reason to be thoughtful in our words and actions. To thrive, we must feel safe, be physically and emotionally well and enjoy a sense of belonging on our campus. Our University Police Department has increased patrols at my request, not because there is a threat to the campus, but to provide reassurance. They are available at 973-655-5222 if you ever feel unsafe.

But I encourage our students to take advantage of our many opportunities for counseling and support, including services provided through CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), the Student Health Center, the Office of Social Justice and Diversity, the Office of Student Belonging and the Dean of Students Office. Each of those areas is uniquely equipped to assist our students with all aspects of their well being.

Counselors are available for all students, 24 hours a day. Call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 973-655-5211 and select Option “2.” Students may also contact the Dean of Students Office for assistance.

Employees can get free, confidential support from our Employee Assistance Program by calling 800-242-7371.

Anyone who is in crisis may call or text the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.

Further, I encourage each of us to look out for each other. Check in with friends, colleagues and classmates. Ask people how they are doing or create a space for people to reveal their vulnerabilities.

I and other university leaders and offices are continually talking with students, faculty, staff and affiliated members of the community, both individually and in groups. We will continue to do so in an effort to be responsive.

The Montclair State University community is shaped and maintained by all of us. Let’s recommit collectively to retain civility and respect in discourse and to maintain our ethic of safety and care. Together, we are stronger.