ACF Commends Carnegie Mellon for Condemning Messages Advocating Violence

Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) commends Carnegie Mellon University and President Farnam Jahanian for their clear response to recent anti-Israel messages displayed on The Fence, including the phrase “by any means necessary.”

While the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department has determined that there is no imminent threat to the campus community, the incident remains under investigation. The messages have raised concerns because language that can be interpreted as endorsing or encouraging violence has no place in a campus environment committed to safety and civil discourse.

In a message to the university community, President Jahanian stated that it is “categorically unacceptable” for messages on university property to “incite or imply support for violence.” He further emphasized that members of the campus community should carefully consider the impact of their words, noting that if their intent is not to threaten, intimidate, or endorse violence, they should choose language that cannot reasonably be interpreted that way.

ACF views President Jahanian’s statement as an important affirmation that free expression and campus safety are not mutually exclusive. Universities have a responsibility to protect open dialogue while making clear that rhetoric implying violence or intimidation is unacceptable.

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.