Support to members of our campus community with ties to Israel and Palestine

October 11, 2023

It's important to recognize the historical and contemporary conflicts in Israel and Palestine, and their impact on members of our Berkeley community who share personal connections to the region, whether it be familial, religious, ethnic, national, academic, or ideological.

We want to ensure you're well-informed about the range of support resources at your disposal, including offices and services dedicated to holistic wellness and academic flexibility. As we navigate these challenging times, let's continue to look out for one another, offering support and compassion. In community, we find strength.

Community and Respect

We realize that this conflict impacts many students, staff, and faculty, and can engender powerful emotions and reactions. We urge everyone to review and respect our essential Principles of Community. Please know that the campus is committed to our values of belonging, inclusion, and diversity. The campus is also committed to freedom of speech and UC Berkeley, as a public institution, cannot ban expression based on its content or viewpoints.

Our hope is that all members of our community can express their viewpoints in a safe and respectful manner, even with those with whom we disagree. We ask that you approach and treat each other with compassion, empathy, grace, and patience in this distressing time. 

Dealing with Threats and Harassment 

The safety and well-being of our students is of paramount importance. We understand that some students have reported harassment, occurring verbally and through online platforms. Our campus has zero tolerance for abusive behavior. Harassment is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and students found responsible for harassment will be held accountable. There are several resources you may consider if you’ve been the target of harassment. 

  • Death threats / threats of physical harm: Remember, you can and should contact law enforcement directly if you experience physical harm, direct threats, or emergency situations. If you need help, dial 911 or use a blue light emergency phone (identified by a blue light on top of the phone box or column).
  • For on-campus non-emergencies, visit UCPD or call at (510) 642-6760. 
  • For the City of Berkeley,visit Berkeley Police Department or call at (510) 981-5900.
  • Reporting - Other reporting options include:
    • For information and support on reporting hate crimes or hate-motivated acts: stophate.berkeley.edu
    • Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD): (510) 643-7985, responds to and resolves reports of protected category discrimination and harassment (including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services), as well as sexual violence/sexual harassment involving students, staff, faculty, and visitors. This may include violence and also harassment such as online or virtual harassment (including “doxxing” or “trolling”), and physical or online stalking behaviors, if the respondent can be identified and is part of the UCB community. OPHD can help you understand your rights, options, and resources, including campus and community support, and offers informal and formal resolution pathways.
  • Online harassment: The Berkeley Information Security Office also offers resources to prevent and respond to online harassment. You can also help protect yourself (and your student org) against doxxing by:
    • Adjusting your personal social media settings to be private and removing anything that can identify your personal address or contact information. For your student org, consider a general email address (studentorgname@gmail.com) or Google Form (you can require a berkeley.edu address for all submissions) and have people contact you to request the location of your group.
    • Using secure wi-fi networks like eduroam and/or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) available free to students.
    • Having strong passwords and varied usernames and passwords across platforms. For your student org’s social media, have only one person with the password if at all possible. 
  • If you have additional questions about protecting privacy for your RSO, including publicly-viewable CalLink information, reach out to oasis.center@berkeley.edu.

Campus Support Resources

You may already be aware of these, but we want to make sure you’re well-informed about the various campus supports available to you.

  • General Student Support: Visit the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students’ Well Being resource, which provides more information about holistic wellness resources across campus. To discover additional resources or shae questions and concerns, reach out to deanofstudents@berkeley.edu
  • Academic Accommodations Hub: Should you be grappling with the impacts of this event, we encourage you to explore academic flexibility in consultation with your instructors. 
  • Student Legal Services: Advises students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations. Visit sa.berkeley.edu/legal or call at (510) 642-3916. 
  • PATH to Care Center: Provides confidential support and resources for survivors of sexual violence, harassment, and stalking within the campus community. Visit care.berkeley.edu or call at (510) 643-2005.
    • Kelsey Hoie Ferrell is providing confidential consultative meetings to discuss direct impacts and harm on campus, offer safety planning, share information on reporting rights and legal options, and offer referrals to campus and community resources. Book a session directly on Calendly. This resource is accessible for a limited period. If the link expires, please reach out to the PATH to Care Center for additional assistance.
  • The Center for Support and Intervention (CSI) provides consultation and intervention for harm and violence on campus. If you are impacted by these international events and need support, CSI is happy to talk to you about resources available to you.
  • Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees: (510) 642-5754. If you wish assistance sorting through a campus-related conflict or concern, the Ombudsperson will listen to your concerns, serve as a sounding board, discuss your options with you, and help you get a new perspective and determine the next steps to take.
  • Support for International Campus Community Members: The Berkeley International Office can provide support for travel and reentry procedures, enrollment issues, visa requirements, financial matters, and general advising. They offer support to international students as well as faculty, visiting scholars, and staff.