The Executive Editors and News Editors of The Olaf Messenger decided to dedicate this week’s news section to coverage of community reaction to the Israel-Hamas War. Our coverage’s aim is not to explain the Israel-Hamas War in detail, but to recount reactions and events in our community. Our objective is to provide unbiased reporting that accurately reflects thoughts and opinions of various members and organizations of our community, its also important to note that St. Olaf responses have predominantly supported Palestine. We acknowledge that there are many different perspectives on the conflict, as our community is made up of a diverse group of individuals. The Olaf Messenger extends our condolences to those who are directly affected by these recent events. Campus resources and information about bias reporting can be found on A7.
The College provides a variety of support and resources to the St. Olaf Community. In the Oct. 18 email “Community Support in a Time of Global Crisis,” sent to the campus community, they listed the following resources.
College Ministry:
The College Ministry offers availability to meet to have individual conversations and pastoral care, in addition to their regular programming. Pastors and Chaplains serve as confidential resources. The Boe Memorial Chapel sanctuary and meditation room are spaces frequently available for individual reflection, prayer, and meditation. Learn more about The College Ministry and their specific resources at stolaf.edu/ministry.
Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion:
Taylor Center is a space for all students, regardless of race, gender, color, age, religion, political views, disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin. Taylor Center staff are open to having conversations with students and providing them support. For students seeking one-on-one discussions specifically about global conflicts, reach out to the Taylor Center Director or international support staff. More information can be found at stolaf.edu/taylorcenter.
Counseling Center:
The St. Olaf Counseling Center provides free resources to students. Due to high demand, the Counseling Center is not accepting new clients. Instead, they recommend the free 24/7 telehealth app TimelyCare. For more information about TimelyCare and in-person community providers, go to stolaf.edu/counseling-center.
The Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community:
The Lutheran Center, in collaboration with College Ministry, hosts the Student Interreligious Circle, a group composed of students from various faiths. For more information, contact Lutheran Center or College Ministry staff. More information on the Lutheran Center’s programming can be found at stolaf.edu/lutherancenter.
Class Deans:
The College also recommended reaching out to class deans for additional support.
First-years: Chang Dao Vang ’11 vang61@stolaf.edu
Sophomore: Justin Fleming ’02 flemingj@stolaf.edu
Juniors and Seniors: Tim Schroer schroert@stolaf.edu
In addition to the resources listed in the email, the Wellness Center is a free resource for students:
The Wellness Center has a variety of online and in-person resources for community members to utilize, covering all facets of health and wellness. Students can also receive one-on-one support from the Peer Educators. To access the online resources and learn more about the Wellness Center’s programming, go to stolaf.edu/wellness.
Reporting Concerns, Complaints, and Bias Incidents:
If you or someone you know wants to report a concern including, but not limited to, unlawful bias, discrimination, or harassment; unethical or unprofessional business conduct; circumstances of substantial, specific, or imminent danger to health or safety, you are encouraged to do so.
Report your concern at stolaf.edu/generalcounsel/reporting-concerns.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team defines a bias incident as “any behavior or actions directed against a person or property that includes the use of slurs expressing prejudice on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression, but is not a criminal offense.” Bias incidents can include offensive language, tampering of property, and violent acts.
If you or someone you know is experiencing discrimination or harassment, and would like to create a bias report, go to stolaf.edu/equity-inclusion/bias-reporting.
