Dear USF Community,
Next week marks the one-year anniversary of the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks in
Israel. This tragedy has led to growing conflict in the Middle East, which continues
to be a source of pain, fear, sadness and anxiety for many in our community, especially
those with ties to the region.
We are aware of several events and activities on and off campus planned by individuals and groups recognizing the anniversary. We realize that passionately held beliefs associated with the conflict in the Middle East can lead to the expression of opinions and ideas that may be different than our own and upsetting to some members of our community. Regardless of our personal views, we can best support the free exchange of ideas by maintaining civility and treating each other with respect.
The safety of the USF community is our highest priority, and we have been clear that we will not tolerate violence, discrimination or harassment, including antisemitism, Islamophobia and other instances of targeting individuals because of their religion, shared ancestry or cultural heritage. We strongly encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses such behavior to report it to the appropriate university department for immediate review.
For those who feel personally impacted by these difficult topics and seek additional support, I encourage you to access the resources available to all USF students, such as professional mental health care and virtual support through and . Faculty and staff may access free counseling services and connections to local resources through the Employee Assistance Program.
As the semester continues, we will see more local, national, and global events that spark intense discussions and dialogue on our campuses. In these moments, it is vital that we maintain a safe, civil and respectful environment.
Thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, to help ensure that USF
is a welcoming place for all members of our community.
Sincerely,
Rhea F. Law
President