To The Ohio State University Community:

In these days of heightened anxiety over possible war and terror alerts, universities have special challenges and important responsibilities to members of the university community and to the broader public that we serve to provide venues for open discussion and dialog about our national situation at the same time we prepare to protect the safety and security of our people and our environment. I would like to address some of these challenges and responsibilities and tell you where to find continually updated information.

The Association of American Universities has issued a statement on “The Responsibility of Universities at a Time of International Tension and Domestic Protest,” http://www.aau.edu/resources/AAUState1.15.03.html, indicating that a university must “provide a forum in which individuals and groups can advocate their views,” “assure an environment for civil discourse to take place,” and “protect the rights of all members of the campus community to pursue ... the work of learning, teaching, scholarship and research.”  At Ohio State, we are committed to ensuring that outlets for dialog about the important issues of our times are provided.

Educational opportunities for the University and outside communities to learn about issues behind international conflicts and about the complexities of international cultures, religions, politics, and history can be found at the web sites for the Mershon Center, http://www.mershon.ohio-state.edu, and the Multicultural Center, http://multiculturalcenter.osu.edu.  One of the most important contributions that Ohio State can make in these uneasy times is to expand and enrich the understanding about our world, its people, and our complex interactions.

We are closely monitoring the safety of all students, faculty, and staff studying or working abroad, and we urge all members of the Ohio State community who are traveling abroad to consult the State Department’s web site, http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html, and take the appropriate precautions.

If faculty or staff members are called to active military service, information about relevant University policies is available at http://hr.osu.edu/events/calltoduty.htm.  If students are called to active military service, relevant information is available at http://www.osu.edu/osutoday/0202/milserve.html.

In February, the FBI noted the possibility of terrorist attacks against “soft targets,” including colleges and universities.  While we have received no specific threats or information about imminent danger at Ohio State, the safety and security of all members of the campus community is a foremost concern. To this end, the University is undertaking a number of actions to preserve the safety and security of our students, staff, and faculty, as well as the facilities and systems on our campuses.

Staff and faculty from across the University have worked together, and with other organizations in our community, to develop plans to deal with extraordinary or crisis situations.  These plans address such issues as evacuation of buildings, communications, and cyber security.  In addition, the Medical Center has an extensive system of plans in place to ensure that adequate medical care and supplies are available should a crisis occur.  We will continue to update and revise these plans as circumstances change, and we will diligently monitor all avenues for any information that could affect us.

We will maintain open and frequent communication with the University community, including via our new emergency information web site, http://www.osu.edu/urgent/index.php, where you can find up-to-date information about crisis situations.

As individuals, it is vital that we continue to go about our daily activities as usual.  Yet, at the same time, I encourage you to:

·        Take advantage of the many opportunities to learn about the cultural and political background behind this situation.
·        Take extra measures to respect, support, and value each other as individuals.
·        Be alert for suspicious or potentially dangerous activities.

In conclusion, The Ohio State University embraces tolerance and a rich exchange of diverse ideas.  The true test of our commitment to those values is our ability to maintain them during times of fear, anger, and conflict.  I am confident that the University community will rise to the occasion now to confirm and uphold the highest values of our great institution as we also work to maintain safety and security.

Sincerely,

Karen A. Holbrook
President