Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-
I understand that my message today regarding recent incidents of defacing university property was interpreted by some as correlating the term “Free Palestine” with hate speech. It was not my intent. Investigations are ongoing pertaining to the defacement of Tyler Hall and the sign hung in MCC.
To be clear, as I have stated previously, SUNY Oswego upholds the right of every member of the campus community to engage in free speech and civil discourse in keeping with our policies (see below) to maintain a safe environment for everyone. As citizens of the world, we debate and discuss – and even protest – to improve conditions both locally and globally.
I also have been clear that we have to balance our rights to free speech with the safety of our community. Achieving this balance can be challenging. As a campus, we can and should be committed to learning and growing together, regardless of the discomfort and challenge this may, at times, present.
The university has in place the following resources to help us maintain a safe campus while allowing for the free expression of ideas:
- If you see defacement of university property or inappropriate messaging, please reach out to campus police at 315-312-5555 or via extension 5555 on a campus telephone.
- Any suspected incident of bias should be reported to the SUNY Oswego Bias Prevention and Response Team using the online form or by contacting the Affirmative Action Officer or Human Resources.
- Guidance for campus postings, promotional materials, digital signage, and chalking can be found beginning on page 67 of the Student Handbook. It is important to note that postings are limited to designated posting areas, generally bulletin boards available in and outside of campus buildings.
- To request use of a university facility, (including outdoors), for a protest or a march, please refer to the Facilities Use Policy found on our website or on page 53 of the Student Handbook.
- Any campus community member who wishes to organize and hold such an event must first register and receive approval for the event from Campus Events and Conference Services using this link, so that we may ensure space availability, and participant safety.
I look forward to our continuing work together to advance our mission.
Remain well,
Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D.
President