SUNY Geneseo's President refuses to engage as evidence of Israel support surfaces

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President of SUNY Geneseo and Office lack of engagement in Palestinian people sparks anger over students.

Last month, Denise Battles, President of SUNY Geneseo, issued a statement declaring, "We cannot and will not take positions on political campaigns or parties." This statement has seemed to have sparked frustration among the student body, many of whom view it as hypocritical given the college's previous political involvement. Many students also believe this statement to have been put out as a response to students encouraging the college to divest from Israel as a show of support towards the Palestinian people harmed and killed as a result of the current conflict. 

Over the summer, an anonymous account—under the username harryburl20—revealed extensive evidence of SUNY Geneseo showing a pro-Israel bias. The account highlights several notable instances, including the college administration’s decision to observe a moment of silence for Israeli victims during a senate meeting after Oct. 7, while appearing to extend no similar recognition to Palestinian casualties. 

Further examples include President Battles' involvement in a coalition of over 100 U.S. university presidents showing support for Israel, the censorship of a student displaying a Palestinian flag in a commencement video, the removal of pro-Palestinian posters from campus green, and the list of college's vendors linked to supporting the occupation of Palestine. 

“Harry’s” account also features statements from students, alumni, and campus organizations advocating for the college to sever ties with companies funding Israel and to cease its support for Israel altogether. "We’re asking for accountability from the administration, transparency in its actions, and for the institution to truly embody the values of equality and justice that it claims to uphold," “Harry” said. "My goal is just to create a fair and just space on campus for dialogue where pro-Palestinian voices are acknowledged equally."

In response to these concerns, SUNY Geneseo's Student Association and Student Senate have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue on the topic, with the issue being discussed during a Sept. 11 General Assembly meeting. The meeting minutes are available in the “Minutes” section under Current Records on the college's Undergraduate Student Senate webpage. 

The President's Office has declined multiple requests to meet and address the situation directly. "We have been clear in communicating our stance on commenting about social and political issues. We remain committed to abiding by that approach, and the President will not engage in an event aimed at taking positions," stated President's Chief of Staff, Wendi Kinney.

Media requests directed to Dr. Monique Patenaude of the college's Communications & Marketing staff have also been turned down, "That position remains, regardless if the format is an interview, comment, or statement," said Dr. Patenaude.

“Harry” also criticized this administration’s stance: “The refusal to engage only deepens the divide between the administration and the student body." A petition on the Geneseo Speaks platform, signed by over 70 students demanding clarity from President Battles on the college's stance, has also been ignored, leaving students feeling that their voices, particularly those supporting Palestinian rights, are being dismissed.