Writings & Remarks

Bias Incidents on Campus

January 25, 2024

Tags Public Statements

Dear Members of the Hamilton Community,

We have received several bias incident reports related to the war in Israel and Gaza involving expression deemed hateful and antisemitic, on the one hand, and hateful and Islamophobic, on the other.

Separately, Campus Safety is investigating reports of damage to the door of the Azel Backus House.

As we address these reports and move through the bias incident process, I want to emphasize, as I did last fall, that antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any other form of bias or intolerance demeans the dignity of those subject to it, undermines the learning environment, weakens us as a community, and makes members of our community feel unsafe and unwelcome.  

We should redouble our efforts to ensure there is no place for bigotry at Hamilton.

In the present polarized climate, that requires thinking carefully about the choices we make and the language we use. Now more than ever we should treat others, including those with whom we have profound differences, with care and respect.

David