Nov. 5, 2023: A Message from Student Affairs and Campus Police Leadership

Dear UMass Amherst Community,  

We are writing today to share information on a deeply disturbing incident that occurred at the conclusion of an otherwise peaceful event on campus on Friday.

UMass Hillel organized “Bring Them Home: Solidarity Walk and Installation,” which featured a Shabbat table set with empty seats representing each of the 240 hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7 attack in Israel. As the gathering was concluding, an individual approached participants and made aggressive and rude gestures. Later, this person returned, assaulted a student who was holding an Israeli flag, and proceeded to steal and spit on the flag. Fortunately, the student who was assaulted was not injured. 

UMass Police investigated and arrested a suspect, identified as a UMass Amherst student, that night. The individual was released on bail, with conditions prohibiting them from returning to campus. The student will be subject to the legal consequences of their actions as well as the Student Code of Conduct.  

What this student is accused of is reprehensible, illegal, and unacceptable. Let us be clear, these were the actions of an individual who did not speak for nor act on behalf of a group or anyone other than themselves. Peaceful advocacy and protest must and will be protected on our campus.

Since October 7, faculty and students have held film screenings, lectures and demonstrations meant to bring perspective to one of the most complex and polarizing conflicts of our time. Let us take the opportunity to support one another and our community through this incredibly challenging time. 

Antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of bigotry have no place in our community, and we are committed to ensuring that our community’s engagement with opposing viewpoints is maintained in a respectful manner. 

While there are no indications of any credible threats to the UMass community, UMass Police continue to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of our campus and our students. If you have concerns about safety, contact UMPD at 413-545-3111, or 911 in an emergency. Support is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health at 413-545-2337.  

Sincerely,

Shelly Perdomo-Ahmed
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life

Tyrone Parham
Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police