As we reach the first milestone (600 signatories) despite limited initial distribution and some technical glitches, I wish to express my gratitude for the law community’s support to date of this initiative. I hope that with your assistance, we can greatly increase the number of signatories in the upcoming week and then publish the completed open letter and set out concrete steps to build on this initiative.

Signatories include leading members of the profession, faculty and students, representing all faiths, including many members of the Muslim and Jewish communities. Just a few examples of signatories: Allan Rock, Dennis O’Connor, Walied Soliman, Adnan Chahbar, David Matas, Frank Marrocco, Marie Henein, Harry LaForme, Gavin MacKenzie, Earl Cherniak, Jasminka Kalajdzic, James Lockyer, Catherine Weiler, Adam Dodek, Dean Colleen Flood, Linda Rothstein, Malcolm Mercer, Katherine Mahoney, Jacqueline Horvat, Mary Eberts. Some signatories hold diametrically opposed views on the issues that prompted this initiative. However, they share a common cause: encouraging respectful dialogue, and critical independent thinking, especially on campuses, while rejecting all forms of hatred, intimidation, incitement to violence, and its celebration. 

Please circulate broadly. Thanks.