A Message from Dean Osteen on the Middle East Conflict

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

The world has been shaken by the tragic events occurring in the Middle East. While addressing this sensitive topic is inherently complex, avoiding it is also challenging. We offer our sincerest condolences and support to those impacted in the Israel-Gaza conflict and to those continuing to suffer the loss of family members and friends, homes, and communities. The College of Social Work pledges our full support to fostering an environment of inclusion during this ongoing humanitarian crisis. As social workers and allies, we advocate for the human right to live in safety, with dignity, and to have basic human needs met.

As dean, I will, to the best of my ability, work in a conscientious and deliberate manner to promote the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and faculty in the College of Social Work. Additionally, the CSW holds a zero-tolerance policy toward all prejudice and discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. There is no place in the CSW for this. I value free speech and encourage thoughtful dialogue, and we will all address these complex and devastating issues with civility, respect, and awareness. If you witness something amiss, I encourage you to reach out to someone in the College.

I am incredibly grateful to be part of a community dedicated to eradicating human suffering and encourage all of us to find our own way of doing that. Do not hesitate to reach out to faculty and administrators in the CSW if you are struggling and need support. The University also has many available services (listed below).

Respectfully,

Philip Osteen, PhD
Dean and Professor

 

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