Occidental is committed building community and promoting dialogue on our campus.
The College recognizes that the war in Gaza and campus reactions to it have heightened tensions, in a way that sometimes touches students’ racial, ethnic, ancestral, national, and religious and spiritual identities. The College affirms that every single student belongs here and has a place within the Oxy community. Oxy’s ongoing work in this area is grounded by its mission and by the goal of fostering a culture of constructive discourse and free expression, while sustaining an inclusive and accessible learning environment for the entire College community. The College aims to build a sustainable model for community dialogue that will transcend specific issues or events and create a foundation for connection across difference.
In the 2024-25 academic year, the College will pursue the following core initiatives, with guidance and input from a Presidential Advisory Group on Community and Dialogue. Inspired by the “Community” cornerstone of Oxy’s mission, this advisory group will include members of Oxy’s student body, faculty, and staff who may hold different perspectives, but who are committed to pursuing the goal described above. If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions to the Presidential Advisory Group, a Google form will be coming soon.
Educational Outreach
The College launched an educational campaign in Fall 2023 to address potential antisemitism, anti-Arab, and other forms of bias or harassment. This ongoing campaign is a joint effort by the Civil Rights & Title IX Office, the Bias Education and Support Team (BEST), the JEID Education Specialist, the Intercultural Community Center (ICC), and the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL). It includes workshops and training opportunities for students, faculty, and staff related to identifying, preventing, and reporting harassment; student orientation programming; and educational materials related to combating antisemitism and other biases. View a listing of recent and upcoming events.
Developing Forums for Dialogue and Exchange of Ideas
- Through President Stritikus’s listening sessions with groups of faculty, students, and staff, we know that this community is hungry for more connection and conversation. We see this as vital to sustaining a robust academic environment and preparing students for leadership in a pluralistic society. The College commissioned the Presidential Advisory Group to identify several concrete and sustainable initiatives that can begin in the Spring 2025 Semester. Among other resources and information, the Presidential Advisory Group will consider the recommendations of Interfaith America, following IFA’s visit to campus in the Spring 2024 Semester.
- The College will also highlight free speech topics through informational sessions and materials, including communications about Faculty Responsibilities and Academic Freedom (in the Faculty Handbook), the Leonard Law, and other sources.
Environmental Assessment
The College regularly assesses whether the conditions on campus may create an unwelcoming or hostile environment for any individual or group based on their protected identities. This assessment includes use of climate surveys, review of trends in Civil Rights & Title IX reports, and reference to OCR guidance and scholarship on topics such as antisemitism and anti-Arab bias.
Academic and Community Engagement
- We invite students to review the many academic courses and lectures offered that relate to the current crisis in the Middle East and different theoretical approaches to understanding it. These include courses in departments such as critical theory and social justice, history, politics, diplomacy and world affairs, sociology, and the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs.
- Throughout the year, the College will identify and promote opportunities for students and employees to become involved in philanthropic and community-based activities, to help mitigate suffering related to the Israel-Hamas War and humanitarian crisis. The Presidential Advisory Group will take the lead in recommending and announcing these opportunities.
Communication and Accountability Regarding College Policies
- The College has undertaken review and clarification of several important policies that help to sustain a campus environment characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. These policies include the Discrimination, Harassment, & Retaliation Policy, Right to Dissent & Demonstration Policy, Posting & Publicity Policy, and the Social Media Policy.
- The College also reaffirms its repudiation of doxxing and encourages students and faculty to learn more about protecting their online presence and to immediately report any safety concerns. The College will respond to reports of online harassment or doxxing by College community members.
- Consistent with the College’s educational mission, we seek to help community members understand their obligations under these and other important rules, communicate clearly about the College’s expectations for compliance, and pursue appropriate actions to restore community relationships after a breach. The College’s approach to disciplinary actions is set forth in more detail in the Code of Student Conduct and emphasizes respect for others, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and reparation of harms.
- Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLICE) encourages students to review the resources in the College’s Leadership Library, including information on how to engage in effective political activism consistent with the College’s community standards.