As we approach October 7, the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, President Stritikus reaches out to the community about our culture of care.
Dear Occidental Community,
Our mission calls us to focus on what matters most—our community and our culture of care. Sustaining this culture of care, especially in difficult times, requires intentionality and collective resolve.
As we approach October 7, the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, I recognize: the atrocities of that day, the deadliest for Jewish people since the Holocaust; the tens of thousands of Palestinian lives lost in the humanitarian catastrophe since Israel began its counterattack against Hamas; the ongoing destruction in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran; and the potential for more human suffering as the conflict widens. I also recognize that words may feel inadequate to describe the full scope of human suffering and emotion. But, in affirming our culture of care, neither the power nor the limitations of language should prevent us from having the difficult conversations that are part of belonging to a community.
I’ve had the opportunity to hear from many of you about your experiences over the past year—feelings of grief and anger over prolonged suffering, concerns about feeling unwelcome in our campus community, and questions about how you can make your voice heard. I know this upcoming week may be an especially painful time for those who are impacted by and connected to global events.
I want to reaffirm our shared commitment to sustaining an environment rooted in mutual respect and bolstered by the freedoms and responsibilities of open discourse. In the coming days, we can all do our part to ensure every student feels valued and welcomed in all aspects of campus life. That includes recognizing when and how to use our voices in ways that create and hold space for others. We can engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue, critically exploring ideas without resorting to harmful rhetoric. While our policies are designed to protect students' right to pursue their education without disruption, I hope our core values—trust, integrity, and selflessness—will continue to guide our actions. I am inspired by how students support one another and hope this spirit of community will continue in the days ahead.Â
If you need additional support or guidance, our Dean of Students (323-259-2661; deanofstudents@oxy.edu) and Civil Rights & Title IX Office (323-259-1338) are here to help. Additionally, Emmons Counseling services are available to students, and staff and faculty can access support through our .
Since I arrived in July, I've attempted to understand how the conflicts in the Middle East and the immense human suffering have affected our campus community. My goal has been to learn from you and help us find ways to come together. That work continues in the week ahead and beyond. Reach out in person or through email; I’d love to hear from you. Let us continue to uphold the strength of our community by showing compassion, respect, and care for one another, today and always.
Sincerely,
President Stritikus