We support UTK as they enforce rules designed to protect students and community members from harassment, hate speech and bullying.

Ashley, an alum of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, stood across from “The People’s School for Gaza” a supposed study session that took place at UTK. In reality, it is nothing more than an anti Israel group masquerading as a school. Members of this supposedly peaceful demonstration called Ashley a “bitch” and a “whore” on multiple occasions. Despite the fact that she never retaliated or said anything unkind to any of them. They waved middle fingers at her, and drove by where she stood peacefully on the sidewalk to scream at her.

We stand united against hatred and bullying, and we support UTK as they enforce just consequences for the individuals, who knowingly violate the rules established by UTK.

As an institution of higher learning, UTK has a responsibility to make sure students and visitors treat each other with dignity and respect. One of the most important lessons we can learn is how to peacefully share our ideas and listen to other opinions without resorting to name calling and harassment. We learn through dialogue not by screaming insults at those we disagree with.

In recent years, universities across our nation have become hotspots for violence and antisemitism. Swastikas have been found in vandalized buildings at Universities such as Columbia. We cannot allow our educational institutions fall victim to violent extremism. 

Bullying, harassment, sexism and antisemitism are unacceptable. No member of our community should experience fear on campus. Guest speakers at UTK, such as Bassam Eid, should be allowed to share their knowledge without being shouted at and harassed. No member of our community should be kicked or hit on campus nor should any member of our community be greeted with a Nazi salute. Alarmingly, these are not mere hypothetical events but specific examples of what has been happening at UTK in the months following October 7th.

By signing this petition, we urge the University of Tennessee to uphold charges, which the one arrested student and a handful of protesters unaffiliated with UTK were justly charged with for blatantly ignoring UTK’s rules.

Stand with us. Let's ensure our voices are heard, and our students are given the safe place to learn they deserve.