Prioritizing Campus Safety and Mutual Respect

I am writing today about a decision that will upset some but I believe was necessary for the University to operate consistently with our values. Indeed, I have been thinking about my own campus message from November that laid out guideposts for our behavior:

“Our community should be a place that is safe and supportive, where we can all express ourselves – can be ourselves – without feeling threatened, violated or vilified….

For all of us to truly thrive both as individuals and as a community, we must feel safe, be physically and emotionally well and enjoy a sense of belonging on our campus.”

With that in mind, the University has withdrawn approval of “Palestine Lives,” an on-campus fundraising event that was scheduled for the evening of March 8. To be clear, the goal of raising money to alleviate the suffering of people in Gaza is laudable. And I commend all individuals who want to help those in the desperate circumstances of a humanitarian crisis.

Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to get to know members of the Palestinian community both on and off campus. Their anguish is palpable and connection to the unfolding tragedy is often deeply personal. I have been profoundly moved by the painful stories they shared with me.

So I did not make this decision lightly, and I want you to know why I felt it necessary.

The fundraiser was originally proposed by Montclair’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. This is a group we have come to know well and with which we enjoy a positive working relationship.

However, since the time that the event was approved, it was brought to our attention that a newly-formed outside organization, called New Jersey Students for Justice in Palestine, is now the host. This group’s name is on all publicity and communications regarding the event. This organization also publishes a mission statement that goes well beyond advocacy for the Palestinian people. Specifically, it contains an explicit call to “eliminate Zionism on our campuses and in our communities.”

So the declared purpose of this organization – to rid the campus of any who oppose its views – strikes at the very core of Montclair State University’s mission and values.

Allowing such an organization to enjoy the privilege of using University resources – even for purposes that are positive – would not only contradict our stated purpose, it would lead other members of our community to question the institution’s commitment to their safety, their inclusion. In particular, the many Jewish and Israel-supporting students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing distress, trauma and fear since October 7th would understandably feel targeted and more vulnerable. Our commitment to their safety is as unwavering as it is for Muslims, Palestinians, Israelis, Arabs and every other group represented on campus.

I know some will ask – what is the difference between this event and on-campus demonstrations that espouse messages that may also seem to promote exclusion? Under our Policy on Expressive Activity and because of our status as a public institution, we are obligated to allow the use of public areas of our campus grounds by those who wish to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. We are not, however, obligated to allow the use of university facilities and resources for a ticketed event by an organization that has an explicitly stated purpose that contradicts our mission.

Our diversity and inclusivity are what make this institution special. It creates a special obligation to retain civility and respect in discourse and ensure a campus free of discrimination.

It is unfortunate that the late emergence of this issue disrupts the planned fundraiser just days before its scheduled date. It also left little time to find a satisfactory solution although all parties worked together in good faith. Still, I concluded the priority has to be fidelity to our mission and commitment to mutual respect and belonging, thus requiring this action.