Statement from President Schill on Committee Report

On October 31, 2024, the Republican Staff of the House Committee on Education and Workforce issued a report that criticized several universities for not stopping antisemitism on campus.  In that report they called into question the honesty of my testimony before Congress on May 23, 2024, and attacked our provost and two faculty members who worked with me to peacefully end our encampment.

Let me first say, as I have said repeatedly since October 7, 2023, I condemn hate in all its forms, including antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Israeli or anti-Palestinian hate, or any form of identity-based discrimination. There is absolutely no room on our campus or in our society for this type of heinous behavior.  I share with many of the Committee members and university presidents around the country the belief that we need to do more to protect our students and we are doing that.

At the same time, I strongly take issue with attacks on my integrity by the staff of the Committee.  Taking statements out of context and employing innuendo diminishes the seriousness of this issue.  I stand by my testimony, which was accurate, truthful and supported by what we agreed to do in connection with the agreement we reached to end the encampment.

I also reject the unfair characterizations of our Provost and valued members of our faculty.  I can attest to their character, integrity, and dedication to the University and am grateful for their efforts to successfully bring our encampment to a swift and peaceful end.

I am proud of the work the University has done since the spring to make Northwestern a more welcoming and supportive place for all of our students, faculty and staff. That includes strengthening our Student Code of Conduct and other University-wide policies, adding resources and expanding educational opportunities, among other measures. The work continues.