Embedded Files
Dear Fr. Fitzgerald, Provost Fung, Vice President Orio, and Dean Gary,
As members of the University of San Francisco Educators for Justice in Palestine, a collective of faculty, librarians, and staff (over 70 members and growing) who have supported and visited the student encampment, we are deeply moved by the courage and commitment of our students. The students, who represent all divisions of USF, have exercised their power in collaborative, inquisitive, and mission-driven ways to intervene in the on-going genocide in Palestine. This has been a peaceful movement that has created a robust learning environment where students have learned to engage in collaborative work and discussion around how USF can live up to its stated values. Students of the People’s University for Palestine have been involved in their scholarly activism in solidarity with the Palestinian people while juggling their academics and personal lives. We commend them for taking on this tremendous work that should have never been placed on them.
As you negotiate with our students of the People’s University for Palestine encampment, we strongly urge that you take their demands seriously and provide amnesty to all the people involved. The students, faculty, and staff who have participated in this courageous display of their political commitments are enacting their right to freedom of speech and assembly. They are also doing so on an important and dire issue (i.e., social justice for Palestinians) that aligns with our Jesuit mission. We support the university’s measured response to our students’ lawful protest and strongly believe that it is in the best interest of our university community, name, and legacy to arrive at a negotiated agreement without threat or use of force.
We categorically reject the idea that the encampment is inherently unsafe or disruptive. We have not witnessed any student, faculty, librarian, staff, or community member being harassed, discriminated against, or intimidated by members of the People’s University for Palestine. We were surprised and disappointed to read Fr. Fitzgerald’s statement to the community on May 8 that used ambiguous language and words that could be interpreted as vilifying our students (e.g. “We are…. disappointed with those who haven’t [prioritized safety]”, President’s May 8th statement). We worry that this mischaracterization of the People’s University for Palestine will be used to justify police intervention, sets up a dangerous environment for our students, and emboldens outside agitators to interfere and put our students at risk. The students of the People's University for Palestine are acting in accordance with USF values. Creating this assembly was a vehicle to communicate their concerns, educate their peers, and act locally to stop one of the worst humanitarian crises in our lifetime. We steadfastly stand behind (and in front of, if need be) the students of the People's University for Palestine. They deserve an opportunity to negotiate their demands and we demand that they not experience punishment or retaliation for their commitment to social justice.
Sincerely,
University of San Francisco Educators for Justice in Palestine
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse