Comparing University Statements About Israel
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As an in-class activity or assignment, students can analyze and compare what university officials are saying about the conflict in the Middle East. Here are a few statements and, below, possible questions for discussion. The Harvard situation is particularly charged. The university is facing criticism because, despite issuing a statement supporting Israel, so far, it hasn’t responded to a post by 34 student organizations: “Joint Statement by Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups on the Situation in Palestine.” (Update: The president posted a response on October 10.)
Statements
Brandeis University
Harvard University
Hunter College
New York University
The Rockefeller University
University of Connecticut
University of Miami
University of Washington
Questions for Discussion
Who are the primary and secondary audiences for the statement?
What are the communication objectives?
For each statement:
How does the writer describe the issue; for example, is it called a “war,” “conflict,” “tragedy,” “attack,” or something else?
What’s the significance of how the issue is described? In other words, how clearly does the university support a position?
How might the university’s mission, student population, location, and other factors affect the message?
How would you describe the tone? What language illustrates your characterization?
How do connections to the region affect the credibility of the message and the writer?
What resources are offered for students?
What does the message say about campus conduct and safety?
What, if any, action does the university promise?
How does the writer illustrate character dimensions, for example, compassion, accountability, integrity, or courage?
What else distinguishes one statement from another?
What universities are missing statements? Why might they choose to stay out of the conversation? Or are they just slower in responding, and why might that be?
