University Communications on the Israel-Hamas war
Communications related to the current conflict in the Middle East
- Strengthening Our Community Through Education and Dialogue
May 23
Earlier this afternoon, I completed my testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce. View the complete message
- Addressing Vandalism on Deering Meadow
May 13
This morning I became aware that several Israeli and American flags placed on Deering Meadow were defaced overnight. Earlier on Sunday, a woman tore down several signs and banners hanging at the Meadow. Northwestern’s commitment to freedom of expression does not include vandalism. View the complete message
- Message from President Schill on Deering Meadow agreement
April 30
President Michael Schill has released a video in which he addresses Monday’s agreement to end the encampment at Deering Meadow. Watch the video
- Agreement on Deering Meadow
April 29
We have reached an agreement with a group of students and faculty who represent the majority of the protestors on Deering Meadow to bring the demonstration into compliance with University rules and policies. View the complete message
- Update on demonstration on Deering Meadow
April 25
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. View the complete message
- Statement on April 25 encampment
April 25
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. View the complete statement
- Northwestern enacts interim addendum to Student Code of Conduct
April 25
As we enter the final weeks of the academic year, our community — like so many others around the country — continues to grapple with the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the resulting war in Gaza. View the complete message
- Statement on April 15 demonstration
April 21
The following statement aims to clarify some misinformation that the University has seen in media and social media about the demonstration that took place Monday, April 15. View the complete statement
- State’s Attorney’s Office drops charges
Feb. 8
On Wednesday, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, after consulting with representatives from the Students Publishing Company, 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. View the complete statement
- Statement on Department of Education investigation
Jan. 23
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. View the complete statement
- Update on President’s Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and Hate
Jan. 23
As we return from winter break, we carry forward the essential work of combatting antisemitism and other hateful behavior that has impacted our campus and others across the country in recent months. View the complete message
- Statement on claims made by outside advocacy group
Dec. 20
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. View the complete statement
- Announcing new committee on preventing antisemitism and hate
Nov. 13
To support the University’s commitment to protecting our students, faculty and staff from antisemitism and other forms of discriminatory or threatening acts based upon religion or national origin and to promote our central mission of civil dialogue and learning, I will appoint the President’s Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and Hate. View the complete message
- Promoting peace and civility
Nov. 4
On Friday, an Arab Muslim student at Stanford University was injured in what is being investigated as a potential hate crime. ... These incidents serve as stark reminders that we must be vigilant in our efforts to promote peace and civility, and to provide safety and support to our community. View the complete message
- Civility during conflict
Oct. 26
We have spoken before about Northwestern’s values. Many of them seem particularly important today. We champion access, diversity and belonging; we encourage debate; we strengthen our community and perhaps most importantly, we care about one another. View the complete message
- Statement on fake copies of The Daily Northwestern
Oct. 25
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. View the complete statement
- Statement on Education City faculty statement
Oct. 23
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. View the complete statement
- Support resources for students during these challenging times
Oct. 19
These are incredibly challenging times. We've heard from many students who have been profoundly affected by the escalating violence in Israel and Gaza. Our hearts are heavy with grief for the violence, pain and suffering that so many are enduring. It is always a sign of strength to seek help and support, and we encourage you to do so now. Please use these Northwestern resources as you care for yourselves and others. View the complete message
- University statement on professor Khaled Al-Hroub’s interview with WBUR
Oct. 17
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. View the complete statement
- Message on Northwestern Values
Oct. 13
Earlier this week, I circulated a communication to our senior leadership stating my view that I should not as the president of Northwestern make statements on behalf of the entire University on “political, geopolitical or social issues that do not directly impact the core mission of our University.” This belief is based upon the principles of academic freedom and free expression that undergird our institution and allow for a multiplicity of views on these types of matters. View the complete message
- Message from President Schill to senior leadership
Oct. 12
Some of you have asked either me or the provost about whether the University would be issuing a statement on the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. I also know many of you are receiving similar requests from your own leadership, staff and communities. I am not planning to put out a statement officially stating a University position. I thought I would write to give you a bit of insight into why. View the complete message