Hello Dr. Solimene.
I have read the communication to students. Your statement endorses anti-Palestinian ethnic cleansing, illegal under international law.
The student’s statement affirmed international law and UN resolutions, which say that Palestinians have legal right to East Jerusalem. That legal right has been denied by the Israeli Interior Minister, and by soldiers and mobs chanting “death to Arabs” in Palestinian neighborhoods. The Israeli government also recently criminalized the Palestinian flag.
Incredibly, your email to students says that they cannot speak about their rights under the law, or object when their identity is criminalized.
The student’s statement is not hate speech. It is a statement of the self-determination of the Palestinian people. Silencing speech, chilling dissent and censorship have no place in public education.
What is being done to rectify this harm? “Reviewing our yearbook content and procedures going forward.." is absolutely important for the future. I would like to know specifically, in regards to the remaining academic year and graduation, what steps Arlington will take to support and not silence Palestinian voices and challenge colonialism and genocide.
What is being done to rectify this harm? “Reviewing our yearbook content and procedures going forward.." is absolutely important for the future. I would like to know specifically, in regards to the remaining academic year and graduation, what steps Arlington will take to support and not silence Palestinian voices and challenge colonialism and genocide.
Regards, John Francis Mulligan |