Administration

Bendapudi shares message with Penn State community on violence in Middle East

Dear Penn State community,

The terrorism and violence perpetrated by Hamas on innocent civilians in Israel and citizens from countries around the world has created real fear across the globe. We unequivocally condemn the ongoing violence and grieve for the innocent lives that continue to be lost. The fear these atrocities have created is also being felt throughout our University community as well.

We hear and see the pain being felt by our Jewish students, staff, and faculty, and we stand in solidarity with this community. We know our Arab and Jewish students, staff, and faculty, and all others connected to the region, are fearful as well, experiencing bigotry caused by these world events that they, too, find reprehensible. Neither is acceptable. Our Penn State community is diverse, with 150 nationalities represented across our students, faculty and staff. Across our shared humanity there is no place for hate, violence or intolerance anywhere in our community.

It should go without saying that every single Penn Stater should feel safe on our campuses. As new information begins to emerge, and with further calls for violence worldwide, I want to make it clear that while there are no indications of threats on any of our campuses, our University Police are working with external federal law enforcement partners to keep our campuses as safe as possible. Those seeking to rebrand the appalling atrocities that unfolded in Israel as a justified “resistance” are wrong. There is no justification for depravity and terror. We must not allow this violence to reach our campuses and our communities.

We understand that our students are experiencing a complex range of emotions and reactions, and Provost Justin Schwartz is also in touch with our faculty to allow for flexibility and encourage compassion for those students in need. Please also take advantage of the University resources (listed below), which may come in the form of counseling services, spiritual guidance, Student Affairs interventions, law enforcement commitments, safe spaces for gathering, or expressions of understanding and kindness for all human beings.

As you know, we are supportive of events that peacefully advocate the views of our students, faculty and staff. Our fundamental commitment to the right of free expression is strong, but so is our commitment to safety and well-being. So let me be clear: If any activity escalates beyond non-violent engagement, law enforcement is ready to intervene.

As I stated in my message to this community earlier this week, now is the time to come together as Penn Staters and bridge our differences by focusing on what unites us all. It is a time for compassion and empathy.

We are one community. We are here for you, and I am asking each and every one of you to be there for each other.

Sincerely,

Neeli Bendapudi
President

 

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

 

RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES

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Last Updated October 12, 2023

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