It has been a challenging time since Hamas carried out the horrific terrorist attack in Israel and as the devastating loss of life has continued in Israel and the Gaza Strip. In the wake of that pain and horror, we have watched conflict erupt among students on college campuses across the country.

While we have not had incidents of violence or unrest on our campuses, we have experienced hateful speech and both our Jewish and Israeli students and our Palestinian and Arab students have told us they feel unsettled and scared. Nationwide, there have been escalating reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia during this time, and students are worried that what is happening elsewhere could occur at Miami. To scan for potential threats to our community, our Miami University Police Department remains in frequent contact with local, state, and federal authorities and law enforcement, including the FBI.

We want to assure our students and their loved ones that our top priority is the safety and well-being of all of our students. Miami is committed to cultivating a welcoming and safe environment for all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic background.

Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism have no place at Miami, and we strongly  condemn hate, terrorism, and violence in all forms. We will not tolerate any acts of violence or threats of violence motivated by bias on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, on our campuses, and we will hold accountable the perpetrators of such crimes. Violence and true and direct threats of harm are not protected forms of expression and will be addressed by law enforcement.

We always strive to provide care and support to all of our students and to stand together as a university community against hate in all forms. Hate speech can damage our community and cause distress and harm to individuals.

During the past few weeks, we have fielded many questions regarding freedom of speech on college campuses, and here in Ohio. The First Amendment and Ohio law protect the rights of all students to engage in freedom of expression at Miami University, which is a public university. Even when words are hurtful and hateful, the right to speak them is protected. All students and student organizations are free to express themselves subject to the University’s time, place and manner restrictions, however that does not mean that the university or our leadership endorses or agrees with those messages.

We encourage our university community to learn more about the history and effects of antisemitism and Islamophobia, as well as about the conflict in the Middle East, including the history of many of the slogans and images that have caused conflict between campus communities. You can find resources and information about antisemitism, Islamophobia, bias, interfaith work, and other topics here.

We care about the mental health and well-being of every member of our community and are committed to supporting each and every member of our Miami community who is feeling threatened or uneasy during these volatile times. We encourage you to look out for one another and to seek support as needed through the University resources listed below.

University Resources

Oxford Students: Support resources are available through Student Counseling Service, including the 24/7 H.O.P.E. Line, as well as through the Office of the Dean of Students, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, and International Student and Scholar Services.

Regional Students:  Support resources are available through Regional Campus Counseling, Regionals Dean of Students, and Regionals Diversity Office.

Faculty and Staff: Support resources are available through the Employee Assistance Program, as well as through International Student and Scholar Services.

To report an act of bias on campus or related concerns, visit the Campus Climate Concerns reporting page here.

To report a crime, contact the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2222, or police@miamioh.edu.