LEADERSHIP NOTES

Throughout the day, University officials spoke with the demonstrators, including a two-hour meeting with senior administrators this evening, to convey that while we strongly support free expression, the safety of all members of our community cannot and will not be compromised, nor can their expression disrupt the learning environment or University operations.

Earlier this morning, community members attempted to set up a tent encampment on Deering Meadow on the University’s Evanston campus, an act that is prohibited under University policies.

The following aims to clarify some misinformation that the University has seen in media and social media about the demonstration that took place Monday, April 15.

On Wednesday, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, after consulting with representatives from the Students Publishing Company (SPC), decided to dismiss criminal charges against two Northwestern students who had been charged with theft of advertising services in the distribution of “fake” Daily Northwestern newspapers last October.

The University was notified by the U.S. Department of Education that it has opened an investigation into a complaint that Northwestern violated Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act. The University will respond to the Department of Education and cooperate with its investigation.

Northwestern does not tolerate antisemitism or discriminatory acts against any members of its community. Northwestern will not stand idly by as outside groups push false narratives to harm the University and our community.

On Wednesday, someone or some group distributed fake copies of the University’s independent, student-run newspaper, The Daily Northwestern, across the Evanston campus. The fake newspaper included images and language about Israel that many in our community found offensive. The student newspaper, which is a separate entity from the University, is looking into the issue.

The views represented in the statement issued by a group of faculty members in Education City, Qatar, earlier today do not represent the views of Northwestern University. We mourn the loss of life throughout the region. Our students, faculty and staff at NU-Qatar – many of whom have already lost loved ones – remain in our hearts and minds.

While Northwestern firmly supports academic freedom and freedom of expression, we condemn any attempt to minimize or misrepresent the horrific killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas on Oct. 7. Khaled Al-Hroub's opinions are his own. Individual faculty members do not represent the views or beliefs of the University.