Mutual Care Within the HMC Community

Dear Harvey Mudd College Community,

As we witness heart-wrenching coverage of the ongoing violence and bloodshed in the Middle East, we are also aware of news accounts of heated exchanges among and threats against students on some U.S. campuses.

I write to assure you that we are committed to the safety and well-being of our students and campus community members and to nurturing and providing an environment where all feel welcome and a sense of belonging. We are a community that shares many different perspectives and varied life experiences. We are a community that values each other. We want all members of the HMC community to be able to express their political and religious convictions without fear of harm or retaliation and in an atmosphere of mutual care and respect.

This is a time when, as an educational community, we must be clear in our commitment to civil discourse and in our rejection of any actions that would intimidate or endanger students at our colleges and universities. As outlined in the 7-C Policy on Demonstrations at The Claremont Colleges, Harvey Mudd College respects the rights of free speech and peaceable assembly and supports their exercise.

For those who may feel anxious or concerned amid these global and national events, especially students, please do not hesitate to connect with someone who can help. You can contact MCAPS (909.621.8202), reach out to 7C.Health or talk to a member of the Chaplains Office or staff in DSA. MCAPS can meet with specific groups of students for support sessions. To request an MCAPS facilitator for your group, please complete the Presentation/Program Request Form. Faculty and staff members can speak with colleagues, a supervisor, our Human Resources staff, or anonymously to someone through our Optum Employee Assistance Program, who can connect you with resources. 

Additionally, at the Chaplains Office (McAlister Center), faculty, staff and students are invited to join the Chaplains’ Tea event on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during November. This is an interfaith safe space to gather, process and heal.

I reiterate that Harvey Mudd College condemns all hatred and violence. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, we are focused on providing all students with “a school environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. Hate-based discrimination, including that based on antisemitism and Islamophobia among other bases, have no place in our nation’s schools.” Students, faculty and staff should report any incidents of bias or hate crimes at Harvey Mudd College immediately to Campus Safety. 

It is my hope that our own shared humanity will continue to serve as a guidepost and a resource as we learn, teach, share ideas and navigate these troubled and troubling times.

Sincerely,

Harriet B. Nembhard