Dear members of the Brock community,

Brock University is shocked by the terrorist acts committed by Hamas against the state of Israel this past weekend and is alarmed by the horrific and volatile situation unfolding in the Middle East. We share the concern felt by many in our community about harm to civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian.

As we return to campus from Reading Week, please remember that Brock University remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning and working environment for all. There is absolutely no place on our campus for hate speech, antisemitism or Islamophobia.

Freedom of expression is one of Brock’s foundational values and guiding principles. Universities serve society through the cultivation of enquiring minds, but we acknowledge that our freedoms are accompanied by a responsibility to foster civility in critical dialogue. We will take appropriate action if the law, Brock policies or the Student Code of Conduct are violated.

Brock is an institution strongly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization. We have long recognized the strength of tolerance and pluralism, understanding that universities are a place for dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. We recognize that members of the University community may hold strong and opposing views on the longstanding conflict in the Middle East. We urge all members of the Brock community and beyond to engage in constructive and respectful conversation about the situation, be it on campus, online or in the broader Niagara community.

Many of you may be feeling anxious, sad or even frightened about this terrible situation and what the coming days may bring. This past weekend, we reached out directly to students and visiting scholars affected by this violence to offer support, and we continue to encourage anyone in need of assistance to reach out, as communicated in The Brock News on Oct. 10 or via the following links:

• Students can connect with the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre.
• Faculty and staff can find supports via the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

We are all responsible for ensuring Brock remains a dynamic, safe and welcoming place to study and work, and we encourage you to share these resources with anyone who needs them.

Sincerely,

Lesley Rigg
President and Vice-Chancellor

Lynn Wells
Provost and Vice-President, Academic