To support students through a challenging period, university focuses on dialogue, education, community building

Students are reminded to recognize the humanity in each other as they work through conflict on difficult topics, talk across differences, and learn from one another

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Published Oct 6, 2024

With the ongoing war in the Middle East and the upcoming U.S. presidential election eliciting strong emotions for many members of the Johns Hopkins community, the university is leaning into programming and outreach designed to bolster open dialogue, community building, and education. These efforts reflect a broad aim of positioning students to work through conflict by educating themselves on issues, talking across differences, and learning from each other.

During the week of Oct. 7 and through the fall semester, the university will host events encouraging students to come together and to connect with others in the Hopkins community. These intentional efforts focus on student community building while fostering belonging and recognizing the importance and value of each member of the community. Individuals and groups are also permitted to hold events that follow university policies and guidelines.

"We are engaging with students to support them in finding safe and successful avenues for expression, in keeping with our values and policies."
Rachelle Hernandez
Vice Provost for Student Affairs

"We are engaging with students to support them in finding safe and successful avenues for expression, in keeping with our values and policies," said Rachelle Hernandez, vice provost for student affairs.

Additional outreach and community building efforts began at the start of the semester, when President Ron Daniels shared a message "On a Duty of Care," which "calls upon each member of our community to share their perspectives and beliefs on matters that are debated and discussed here," and also to "recognize the humanity of others, including when they hold views, beliefs, and values that are divergent from our own."

Heading into October, university leaders reinforced the importance of respecting diverse forms of religious expression with a message decrying antisemitism, Islamophobia, and any "form of harassment or discrimination based on religious identity or religious practice." The three signatories—Hernandez, Katrina Caldwell, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, and Shanon Shumpert, vice provost for institutional equity—encouraged students to foster a learning environment "free from religious hatred and discrimination, where students are supported to engage in our community as their full selves, proud of who they are and from where they come."

The university is supporting students in the range of ways they may seek to express themselves, either individually or with others. "These opportunities may be social, educational, or just provide the opportunity for students to talk with staff or other students in small groups," Hernandez, Caldwell, and Shumpert wrote. "If there are other ways that we can support you, please reach out."

Some activities are tailored to current events, while others are broader in scope or continue past programming to bridge divides and bring the community together. Among the activities planned:

  • Student Health and Well-Being will host several events as part of "#IWillListen Week." The #IWillListen campaign encourages open and honest conversations about mental health.
  • The Interfaith Center will host free Belonging Brunches from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. on Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, and Oct. 30.
  • The Center for Diversity and Inclusion has planned several "You Belong" social events that will be added to the Hopkins Groups website next week.
  • The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host its second annual Longest Table event on Oct. 21, with 100-plus faculty, staff, and students seated at one long table, engaging in meaningful and inclusive conversations over a shared meal.
  • Hop Talks, hosted by the Center for Social Concern, will invite members of the Hopkins community to engage in dialogue on critical and difficult issues, facilitated by outside experts, faculty, and industry leaders.
  • Faculty-led programming this fall that focuses on different aspects of the crisis in the Middle East.
  • The SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins brings together scholars and experts with differing perspectives to explore a range of topics, from elections and democracy to pluralism and the role of universities in modern society.

Students who are planning an event, an act of expression, or a gathering on campus are encouraged to reach out to the school contacts below, who are available to help plan and conduct a variety of events, including protests, demonstrations, or other acts of expression in line with university policies.

Undergraduate Students

Graduate Students

In addition, conflict resolution resources, including informal mediation, conflict coaching, and restorative circles, are available through the Office of Student Conduct. To request conflict resolution services, reach out to studentconduct@jhu.edu.

Students also have access to an array of Student Health and Well-Being resources should they need help navigating any challenges. For additional support, undergraduate students may also connect with A Place to Talk, as well as Student Outreach and Support.