OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

October 11, 2023

Dear CUNY community,

Over the past several days, we have struggled to grasp the enormity of the attacks on Israel by Hamas and the atrocities they have committed against civilians: The indiscriminate slaughter of hundreds of young people at a music festival. The murders of families in their homes. The brutal capture of more than 100 hostages, including children, whose families now wait in anguish.

These are acts of terrorism, and they must be unequivocally condemned.

Our hearts go out to the victims of this vicious attack and to their loved ones. We are also mindful of those in the CUNY community who fear for the safety and wellbeing of relatives, friends and colleagues in the region. As I said in two statements over the weekend, the University is working to maintain a climate of civility, promote constructive conversation and keep CUNY campuses safe.

We are sickened by these atrocities, which serve only to further divide Jews and Muslims all over the world, including on our campuses. We decry those who justify — and even celebrate — acts of terrorism as a means of furthering a political struggle.

And we wholeheartedly reject the participation of organizations affiliated with CUNY in demonstrations that glorify Saturday’s violence and celebrate the killings, injuries and capture of innocent people. We respect their right to free speech but condemn their support of these crimes against humanity. We want to be clear that students or anyone from CUNY who chooses to organize or attend these events are in no way speaking for or representing our University or its 25 campuses.

There will be difficult months and years ahead in Israel and the Middle East, and the reverberations will continue to be felt on our campuses and in our city. CUNY respects the right to criticize and oppose the policies of any government but we urge all in the CUNY community who have a personal stake in the conflict, or strong sympathies with either side, to express their opinions and air their differences with respect for those with opposing views.

War brings loss, suffering and grief, and our campuses have in place counseling and related supports, like academic accommodations, for all members of our community. Please check with your campus about the support services that are available.

I believe very strongly that part of the job of higher education — especially at a great public university like ours with all its diversity — is to provide students with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of today’s world. Ongoing global conflicts challenge all of us to embrace the ideals of education as an antidote to vitriol and violence and a path to justice and peace.

Sincerely,

Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Ph.D.

Chancellor