On Oct. 31, 2023, President David Kaufman released a statement to the students addressing the conflict in the Middle East and its relations to the university.
This statement reads that any opinion or statement held by a student organization does not reflect the university.
Kaufman said, “Events held by student organizations do not represent the views of, nor serve as a public statement for, the university. While educational experiences often include divergent viewpoints and perspectives, we must all adhere to the Capital University Human Dignity and Bias Incident Policy and not engage in ways that go beyond respectful discourse.”
While no opinion from organizations reflect the school, their official stance is for the freedom of speech for the student body.
In discussions with Kaufman, he addressed more details and made a general blanket statement that the university denounces terrorism of any form from any country.
He realizes that the situation is “complicated” and in order to ensure freedom of speech, the official statement can’t sway any particular direction.
This is similar to the University of Chicago, who prides themselves on the principles of free expression.
According to the University of Chicago, “it is not the role of the University to attempt to shield people from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable or even offensive.”
Universities are institutions of learning for students in a safe environment. The goal of the university aligns with that—to promote diversity and inspire conversation.
Defending a position will divide the student population, administration and the surrounding community.
Kaufman offers a potential option for students who are going through a difficult time. Using resources from campus, like the Center for Health and Wellness (CHW), is an option for students currently enrolled. The CHW offers individual and group mental health services and psychoeducational interventions. They are trained to support the university’s student body.
