Standing Against Vandalism and Hate: A Community Reminder

A YouTube video shared by Travis Imel, the Chief Student Affairs Officer at Gallaudet University. A middle-aged white man in a blue Gallaudet branded shirt signs the message below.

Hello Campus Community,

As we approach Commencement, I would like for us as a community to reflect on our shared values. Gallaudet believes that each person has a right to exist as their authentic self. No one should be targeted, harassed, or intimidated because of their identity, background, or religion.

Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, we have experienced acts of vandalism on the Gallaudet campus involving stickers with the phrase “from the river to the sea”. This phrase is widely perceived to be a call for the elimination of the State of Israel and has long been associated with rhetoric that promotes violence and hatred against Jewish people. When used without context, especially in acts of vandalism, the phrase can only be interpreted as antisemitic and is considered hate speech.

Any form of antisemitism, as defined by University policy, has no place here at Gallaudet. The acts of vandalism are not protected speech and those found responsible will be held accountable in accordance with our policies and procedures.

There is a difference between engaging in challenging conversations and engaging in hate. Our goal is to create an environment where people can come together and have lively debates about important and personal issues; healthy debate is a cornerstone of academic life, but it must be rooted in mutual respect. We welcome discussion about complex global issues without those interactions devolving into hostility and hate.

We must all do our part to foster an inclusive environment and reject all forms of hate speech and actions.

Thank you.

Travis Imel, ’00 & G-’02

Chief Student Affairs Officer