President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: Campus safety in a time of conflict
October 12, 2023
Dear Reed students, faculty, and staff,
As we watch with despair the continued violence in Israel and Gaza, we want you to know that we stand against all acts of hate and violence. These acts may be felt more deeply by those who are members of minoritized communities that already feel targeted. We do not tolerate anti-Semitism or anti-Muslim sentiment.
The safety of our campus community is of utmost importance. In consideration of potential actions across the country, Reed continues to be in close communication with local and regional agencies to stay informed of any potential threat to campus safety. At this time, we are not aware of any threats of physical violence toward members of the college community. Reed will employ additional campus safety resources should they become necessary.
Many Reed community members have loved ones in the region, and many have lost people close to them or know others who have. Still others have loved ones displaced by the ongoing conflict. We continue to ask that you treat each other with even more care than you usually express for one another.
We thank you for your kindness, empathy, and care.
Sincerely,
Audrey Bilger
President
Kathy Oleson
Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Psychology
Karnell McConnell-Black
Vice President for Student Life
Phyllis Esposito
Vice President and Dean for Institutional Diversity