We, the below signed SUNY New Paltz Alumni, have organized this petition to demand that SUNY New Paltz cancel the campus event, “DiploAct”, hosted by Students Supporting Israel, this upcoming Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

We find that it is, in no uncertain terms, utterly inappropriate and irresponsible for an academic institution to provide a platform for IDF soldiers as they indiscriminately bomb civilians and civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and sites of worship in Gaza. According to Euro Med Human Rights Monitor, Israel’s campaign against the people of Gaza has resulted in the death of more than 38,000 Palestinians, more than 14,000 of which are children. Israel’s bombing and invasion of Gaza has also resulted in the death of 130 journalists, the damaging of 406 schools and the destruction of more than 250 healthcare facilities. As we are sure you already know, the International Court of Justice has found that accusations of genocide against Israel for their aggression are plausible and many reputable humanitarian organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and B'tselem have identified various war crimes committed by the IDF in their campaign in Gaza.

Regardless of personal opinions and allegiances, endorsing a foreign military force on public university grounds as they wage an indiscriminate war against the civilian population of Palestine is a dereliction of the responsibility administrators have for an institution of higher learning and their student body. Whether intentional or not, allowing this event will result in silencing and ostracizing staff and students while the slaughter continues. Many students and campus organizations have already expressed that this event makes them feel unsafe and unwelcome at their own university. No person should have to choose between their education or their safety. No staff member should have to choose between their career or their safety. No individual should be made to fear speaking out against a brutal apartheid regime and the ongoing occupation and massacre of an indigenous people.

As stakeholders in this community, we demand that SUNY New Paltz cancel this event. If the event is not canceled, we will be obliged to share this information with our fellow alumni and other stakeholders to ensure that no one assists in supporting or funding an institution that allows war criminals into our community.

We, as alumni of SUNY New Paltz, demand that the administration of this university own up to the values espoused in its mission statements on diversity and inclusion and remain “a community grounded in justice, civility, and respect” by canceling this event.