TO: All Employees; All Seawolves
FR: Strategic Communications
On Tuesday, August 20, some students and members of the community presented a staged Israeli Defense Force (IDF) checkpoint on Seawolf Plaza. Due largely to a video of the event circulating on social media, this presentation has generated some outside responses, including emails and phone calls to the university.
Of note:
- The staged checkpoint was held only at Seawolf Plaza – a public space – during the lunch hour on Tuesday, August 20, and at no other time, day, or place.
- The demonstration had signage on site announcing it as a “theater presentation.”
- We are not aware of the demonstrators requiring anyone outside of their group to participate in the event.
- Multiple university staff were on site to monitor the event and ensure it did not impede access to Seawolf Plaza, disrupt any campus operations, or compromise community safety.
The event was a spontaneous activity in a public area of the university. Spontaneous activities are permissible under both the California State University systemwide Time, Place, and Manner
policy and Sonoma State’s own campus addendum to the policy, as long as they are not unlawful or disruptive to university operations.
Nevertheless, the presentation may have been upsetting to some of those who witnessed or heard about it, as well as to outside groups and individuals.
As mentioned in previous messages, the California State University and Sonoma State University uphold freedom of expression as essential to our educational mission. Institutions of higher education have an obligation to encourage and support the free expression of ideas, values, and opinions, even where they may be unpopular, controversial, upsetting, or offensive to some. That being said, we also have an obligation to ensure that we create spaces where all of our community members feel safe. The California State University and Sonoma State policies exist to promote a safe and welcoming campus even as they support and encourage the free expression of thoughts and ideas in our spaces.
Resources are available to students through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Student Health Center (SHC). Faculty and staff can access resources through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The Confidential Advocate is an additional resource available to you. The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) can assist with supportive measures.
We are asking that the entire campus be reminded of our Seawolf Values – integrity, respect, excellence, and responsibility – as we seek to foster a diverse and inclusive community for everyone.