As we look ahead to the remainder of the semester, we know that the usual busyness of this season and the last few weeks of classes and final exams may feel especially challenging in the context of world events, most especially the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Many among our UMBC community continue to feel direct and indirect impacts of the conflict, as well as of the resulting rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia toward Israelis and Palestinians that we are seeing throughout society. 

 

Here on our campus, the month of December brings not only end-of-semester deadlines and exams, but also celebrations and special occasions, including many student-organized religious observations. 

 

All of this is on our minds. We are thinking carefully about how to continue to best support and attend to the well-being of all members of our community--students, faculty, and staff--and foster a healthy campus climate that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive. We have reached out with support and care for individuals who are being directly affected by events abroad and here at home. We are attending to safety and security needs and responding to any reports of harassment, discrimination, or threats. We also have met and are continuing to meet with relevant student organizations, as well as with members of UMBC's Religious Council, to hear and understand their perspectives and work toward the ongoing co-creation of the inclusive community we strive to be. 

 

Some additional updates: 

 

Heading into the final weeks of the semester, remember that it is our collective responsibility to help ensure that every member of our community feels safe, welcomed, and valued. Please continue to report any incidents of harassment or bias through the Office of Equity and Civil Rights' online reporting form, or by emailing ecr@umbc.edu or calling 410-455-1717. We must show respect for differing viewpoints, beliefs, practices, and needs, and we ask you to continue to extend kindness, compassion, and flexibility to one another, knowing that individuals may be struggling. Grant yourself some grace, as well. These are challenging days. 

 

Finally, we share with you the attached message from University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman, which he sent to system colleagues just before Thanksgiving. In it, he reminds us of the promise of higher education to help us bridge what divides us, and he expresses his hope that in time we will go beyond words denouncing hate to achieve "a shared commitment to using our work for light and peace." We join Chancellor Perman in this hope, and we believe in the power of this extraordinary community to realize it. 

 

Sincerely,