Body: 

From: Leadership

Dear Oregon State Colleagues:

Over the past two months, the conflict in Israel and Gaza has resulted in loss of lives, destruction and suffering that many members of our OSU community have felt personally and profoundly. In our ongoing work to support students and employees, we continue to hear how they are feeling within the OSU and local communities:

  • “I have been shaken to my core and I don’t know who I can trust to understand what we’re going through.”
  • “I feel like I’m constantly being looked at and judged for things I had no part in.”
  • “I have family and friends who are suffering and I feel helpless here.”

Listening to these stories illuminates the various impacts of this conflict on members of our OSU community. It is essential we commit to understand each other as members of communities with diverse, interwoven histories and that we care for one another as members of a shared OSU community. This is what it means to live out OSU’s core values of accountability, diversity, integrity, respect and social responsibility.

Nationally and locally, this conflict has also resulted in serious incidents of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Every OSU community member is entitled to an environment free of discrimination and harassment. We take very seriously any report of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. We will act quickly to investigate and hold parties accountable for incidents of unprotected speech and violations of law. Reports of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia can be made through the Bias Incident Response Program and the OSU Department of Public Safety.

OSU also is committed to protecting the ability of individuals and groups to engage and speak on topics of community interest, consistent with their rights and responsibilities. Coming together in dialogue and grief is an important part of finding support and maintaining community. If you have questions about university policies related to speech, please consult the university’s Principles on Freedom of Expression.

As our community continues to navigate this conflict and the impacts it is creating near and far, we encourage you to reach out to resources available to support your care and wellbeing:

  • If you are a student in need of support, many options are available to you whether you are enrolled in CorvallisBend or online.
  • If you are an employee in need of support, University Human Resources offers a comprehensive suite of care resources through Lyra Health, OSU’s new employee assistance program.

We know this is a challenging time, and we’re grateful for the support we have witnessed OSU community members providing each other. This is Beaver Nation – we care for each other when it’s needed most.

Sincerely,

Heather Horn, Vice Provost and Chief Human Resources Officer
Dan Larson, Vice Provost for Student Affairs & Senior Advisor to the Provost for Operations
Rick Settersten, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Scott A. Vignos, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Send Date: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023