Indiana University, under the leadership of President Pamela Whitten, has recently made a public post siding against Palestinians, showing support for the Jewish members only. While it’s important to respect all perspectives, this action may inadvertently marginalize the Muslim and Palestinian students attending the university. 

Indiana University is home to a diverse student population from over 140 different countries, including many from Palestine and other Muslim-majority nations (source: Indiana University Office of International Services). These students contribute to the rich cultural diversity that should define our institution. 

We believe that it is essential for our university leaders to demonstrate an understanding and respect for all cultures represented on campus. This includes acknowledging the experiences and concerns of Palestinian students during these challenging times.

Therefore, we call upon President Whitten not only to remove any posts that could be seen as favoring one group over another but also to publicly recognize the Palestinian and Muslim students at Indiana University. By doing so, she will affirm her commitment to promoting an inclusive environment where every student feels valued. During these challenging times, Palestinian students should feel safe and recognized. This issue has created anxiety for many students, we are distracted from our studies and feel unsafe. 

Please sign this petition if you agree that President Whitten should take down the post and release support for Palestinian students. Palestinian students deserve to be heard and recognized at Indiana University. 

A student at IUN, Danna Safi, has a meeting with Chancellor Iwama on October 19 where this petition will be presented. Contact dsafi@iu.edu for questions, concerns, or any individual ideas you would like Chancellor Iwama to hear.