Dear University of Cincinnati Leadership,

We write as a coalition of concerned students, parents, alumni, and community members to express our deep disappointment regarding the University’s recent hosting of the event titled “The Abraham Accords, U.S.–Israel Relations, and the Future of the Middle East.”

At a time of profound grief and heightened sensitivity for many within your campus community—particularly Arab and Muslim students and families—the decision to prominently feature representatives closely tied to the Israeli government raises serious concerns. The inclusion of individuals such as former Israeli minister Yossi Beilin and Ambassador Zeev Boker has been experienced by many as exclusionary and deeply insensitive.

For a university that prides itself on diversity, equity, and inclusion, this programming appears misaligned with those values. Many Arab and Muslim members of the University of Cincinnati community are navigating an intensely painful and complex geopolitical reality. In that context, hosting speakers perceived as representing policies and actions widely criticized on the global stage—without acknowledging or addressing the immense suffering of Palestinians—can feel dismissive of their lived experiences and humanity.

We urge the University to reflect on the broader impact of such events and to take the following steps moving forward:

* Engage directly with Arab, Muslim, and other affected student groups when planning events on sensitive geopolitical issues.
* Publicly reaffirm the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel seen, respected, and heard.
* Consider the timing and framing of future events to ensure they do not unintentionally alienate or harm members of the campus community.

Universities have a unique responsibility to promote thoughtful discourse while safeguarding the dignity of all members of their community. We hope the University of Cincinnati will take this opportunity to reaffirm those principles through more inclusive and conscientious engagement.

Sincerely,
Concerned UC Students, UC Parents, UC Alumni, and Community Members