USF pres calls for respect on campus ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary
USF President Rhea Law urged the USF community to maintain a respectful and civil environment on campus ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
In a universitywide email on Thursday, Law said the university was aware of several on and off-campus events planned for next week to recognize the day.
“Regardless of our personal views, we can best support the free exchange of ideas by maintaining civility and treating each other with respect,” she said.
On Oct. 7 last year, Hamas – which is a designated terrorist group by the U.S. – attacked Israel. The Israeli cabinet declared war against Hamas shortly after.
Law called the attack “horrific” in the email and said the tragedy “continues to be a source of pain, fear, sadness and anxiety for many” in the USF community.
USF Hillel is hosting an Oct. 7 Memorial Event on Monday at the MSC Amphitheatre. It will feature “a remembrance and prayer service” as well as a performance by guitarist Ben Pila.
“This event is an opportunity to come together in reflection, unity, and hope,” USF Hillel said in a Wednesday Instagram post.
Students for Justice in Palestine and the Muslim Students Association are holding a “Wear Your Keffiyeh Day” on Monday. They called on people to show their solidarity with Palestine in a Sept. 23 Instagram post.
USF also recently updated its Student Code of Conduct policy, now requiring student organizations to get pre-approval for on-campus gatherings that use amplified sounds or tables.
Related: Protesters at USF need pre-approval to gather with amplified sound and displays – The Oracle
Dean of Students Danielle McDonald told The Oracle that the updated rules were meant to clarify some gray areas that administration had a hard time navigating during the spring.
She said the expectation of an “active fall” with the Oct. 7 anniversary and the upcoming presidential election made the change more pressing.
In the email, Law said the safety of the USF community is the “highest priority” and that the university has made it clear it will not tolerate violence or discrimination, including Islamophobia or antisemitism.
“This tragedy has led to growing conflict in the Middle East, which continues to be a source of pain, fear, sadness and anxiety for many in our community, especially those with ties to the region,” Law said.
Last year, news of the attack prompted an on-campus rally in support of Palestine on Oct. 12. Around 50 students gathered outside the Library, chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “Free, free Palestine.”
Related: ‘We knew we had to do something’: USF students rally to show solidarity with Palestine – The Oracle
Students also gathered at USF Hillel for a vigil the day after the Oct. 7 attack in 2023.
Jewish students talked to The Oracle last year about feeling unsafe amid the conflict. On Oct. 11, University Police investigated a bomb threat to the Morris & Bertha Escroll Center for Jewish Campus Life but found it wasn’t legitimate.
Related: ‘We are scared’: Jewish students feel unsafe amid Israel-Palestine conflict – The Oracle
Other demonstrations in support of Palestine or USF’s divestment from companies that have financial ties with Israel have rocked the Tampa campus.
Related: Pro-Palestine encampment protest at USF broken up by tear gas – The Oracle
In late April, law enforcement arrested 13 protesters in a pair of on-campus demonstrations.
On April 30, tear gas was deployed after protesters failed to leave the area by a 5 p.m. deadline set by law enforcement.
Several students received disciplinary actions due to their involvement in the protests, including suspension and expulsion.
Related: USF student protester forced to leave the country after suspension
The USF Divest Coalition will also participate in a demonstration in downtown Tampa on Saturday, according to a Sept. 14 Instagram post.
Related: USF students to go on hunger strike for Palestine: ‘Putting our lives on the line’ – The Oracle
Law said that, as the semester continues, they are expecting to see more local, national and global events that can “spark intense discussions and dialogue on our campuses.”
Law also pointed students and staff to the university’s mental health resources, such as counseling on each of the campuses, TimelyCare and TogetherAll.
“Thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, to help ensure that USF is a welcoming place for all members of our community,” she said.
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