[Important Information for Employees] An Updated Statement About the Ongoing Israel/Gaza War

[Office of the President]

Dear Campus Community,

We write to you today amidst the ongoing Israel/Gaza war, as we recognize
the profound impact these atrocities are having on members of our
community.

During this extremely difficult time, it is crucial that we reiterate our
unwavering support for our Jewish students, faculty, and community members.
The physical safety and mental well-being of our entire community remains
our top priority while we stand with those impacted by violence and the
loss of life. We stand in solidarity in the name of peace and survival.

Please know that our University Police, in coordination with SUNY
system-level security, are actively engaged in enhancing security measures,
where necessary, to provide additional security at Shabbat services this
weekend. They are also working with the local community to provide support
to Jewish, Arab, and Muslim students and employees who attend services
off-campus. Additionally, the Plattsburgh Police Department will perform
directed patrols for upcoming activities on and around Bowman Street, in
the area of Temple Beth Israel near the Fieldhouse.

Clearly, this is a time of extreme distress and fear for many on our
campus. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to utilize the
available resources provided by the university. Students can seek support
from our Counseling Center by calling 518-564-2187. Additionally, the
Student Assistance Program <https://portal.bhsonline.com/auth/hashcode>
remains available 24/7 to provide counseling and support.

For our employees, the Employee Assistance Program
<https://www.plattsburgh.edu/about/offices-divisions/administration-finance/human-resources/benefits/employee-assistance-program.html>
is readily available via eap at plattsburgh.edu to provide assistance and
referrals to local organizations and resources for additional support.

All on campus are directed to notify University Police 24/7 about any and
all threats or acts of violence by calling 518-564-2022. And certainly, if
you are, or are witness to immediate danger, call 911.

And, as always our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, located on
the first floor of the Angell College Center stands ready to support you.
Any member of our campus who experiences an incident that targets their
actual or perceived characteristics or membership in groups is encouraged
to submit a report via the DIRECT reporting system.
<https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/diversity/reporting-form.html>

We continue to reaffirm that there is no place for hatred, discrimination,
or any form of bias on our campus. We vehemently condemn any and all
behavior that endangers any member of our community. And we commit to
fostering a campus culture that embraces diversity. Together, we must
continue to demonstrate compassion and empathy towards one another as we
honor the safety, rights, and humanity of all on our campus.


In recognition of this commitment, our Office of Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion will observe a moment of silence during the DEI UNITY event at
Hawkins Pond on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 12 noon.


As SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. stated today: “In this time of
mourning, of fear, of uncertainty, SUNY wishes a Shabbat Shalom – a
peaceful Sabbath – to all who worship. We will do everything in our power
to live up to the ideals of community and inclusivity that make SUNY a
secure and thriving environment in which all our students can learn and
grow.”

Sincerely,

Dr. Alexander Enyedi

President

Allison Heard

Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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