The University of Hawaiʻi is deeply committed to the right to free speech and the protections of the first amendment of the U.S. constitution. Peaceful protests and demonstrations are part of the rich history of UH and universities around the country. It is absolutely essential that all who wish to share their views can do so and conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful to others.
Many in our UH ʻohana are personally touched by specific events. But as others have said, our hearts must be big enough to mourn the loss of lives and suffering in both Israel and Gaza. Minimizing the suffering of civilians and hostages, wherever and whoever they are, is not who we are at UH. Nor are we a place that can tolerate either anti-semitism or Islamophobia. And we cannot make our points heard by trying to silence the voices of others. These tactics tarnish the message of anyone who wants to express their views on world events. These tactics do not show aloha.
Diverse perspectives held on local and global conflicts and controversies have always flourished at UH. Higher education is where our students must learn to coexist with others who hold different views—as we must all do in life. Being able to share views and to listen with respect and appreciation of others is essential to a healthy and thriving campus and community. It is the only path to solutions. It is a way to show aloha.
Nonetheless, we know that some protected speech can be extremely hurtful to others. At the onset of the events of October 7, in Israel and the subsequent actions in Gaza, UH reached out directly to students with offers of assistance. We continue to extend that support to students who are impacted. We take great pride in the fact that our UH campuses are among the most diverse higher education institutions in the nation and UH stands strongly committed to non-discrimination and working together to overcome intolerance. We all benefit when our entire community feels safe and secure and heard.
—UH President David Lassner and UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno
