Message from President LeBlanc on Supporting the Palestinian Community

I want you to know that every member of our community deserves to feel welcome, supported, and included at GW, Dr. LeBlanc writes.

November 22, 2021

Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,

As you may know, the university received a letter recently from Palestine Legal raising concerns that we are investigating.  While this investigation is underway, the health and safety of members of our Palestinian community and all members of our university community remain our foremost priority.  I recognize the concerns and frustrations some in the Palestinian community are feeling, and I want you to know that every member of our community deserves to feel welcome, supported, and included at GW.

As an institution of higher education, we must always listen, reflect, and act thoughtfully and respectfully to make sure our campus is inclusive for all, and we must support one another in difficult times. I also want to make it clear that the university is committed to creating and maintaining a non-discriminatory environment and that university mental health programs and services are available to GW students, without regard to their national origin.  I encourage all members of our community who are seeking support to contact the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Community EngagementCounseling and Psychological ServicesAdvocacy & SupportStudent AffairsHuman Resources; or Faculty Affairs.

We are committed to working every day to support the welcoming and inclusive community that we aspire to be, and I am grateful to all members of our community who are supporting one another and working toward that aspiration.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. LeBlanc
President