Email from Jim Hilbert, interim president and dean, on Oct. 19, 2023
Good afternoon,
I write to address concerns raised by members of the Mitchell Hamline community regarding certain social media postings made by individuals affiliated with the law school. Because these postings have raised concerns about antisemitism, I want to leave no doubt about where Mitchell Hamline stands: There is no place at the law school for antisemitism or any other form of bias. Any messages espousing such views do not come from Mitchell Hamline as an institution and do not represent the views of the school, the board of trustees, or me. No faculty member, center or institute, employee, or student speaks on this matter on behalf of the law school.
In these extraordinarily difficult times, our obligations to communicate with one another with civility and empathy are even more paramount. Again, there is no place here for antisemitism or Islamophobia or any other form of bias. We must take care to exercise curiosity and compassion in our interactions with one another. We are obliged to make up our own minds based on due diligence and careful thinking.
Importantly, I also want to applaud those in our community whose work over the past days has exemplified the best kinds of communication, collaboration, and mutual support.
Leadership in different student organizations working together on joint programs to enhance community; leaders and representatives of student government providing advocacy and support; students, faculty, and staff with different perspectives sharing their own views and providing space and understanding for others to share theirs—many in our community have been reaching out to support others who are struggling and suffering in tangible ways. These instances exemplify what we stand for as an institution. I am heartened by the many instances of support, collaboration, and community care that align with our school’s mission.
We are one community—and we must stand together for our values and our mission. Please take care of yourselves and one another.
Jim Hilbert, interim president and dean
Email from Jim Hilbert, interim president and dean, on Oct. 12, 2023
Dear Mitchell Hamline Community,
I very much appreciate all the support, feedback, and understanding that so many of you have shared with me in response to my email on Tuesday and regarding the circumstances in Israel and Gaza.
I want to make clear that Mitchell Hamline condemns the horrific acts of terror by Hamas. The events that have taken place and continue to take place are harrowing for the people of Israel, Gaza, and our community.
Mitchell Hamline condemns all forms of antisemitism. We grieve for the devastating loss of life in the region and stand with all civilians in Gaza and Israel whose lives have been and are being threatened, lost, and devastated.
I want to reiterate the part of my message from Tuesday encouraging mutual care and support. This is a time of particular need for many of you and your colleagues. Please extend whatever compassion and understanding you can to one another. As an institution, we want to provide as much support as we can. The list of resources for students and employees is listed again at the bottom of this email.
Take care,
Jim Hilbert, interim president and dean
Resources for Students
- Counseling Services: Mitchell Hamline has five independent counselors operating remotely via telehealth. You can schedule an appointment by clicking the make an appointment button on the counseling website. If the counseling times offered are not workable, email counseling (at) mitchellhamline.edu for possible alternatives. If you are located outside of Minnesota, please consult our Out-of-State webpage to see which counselor you should choose for support.
- Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL): Confidential assistance is available 24/7 from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. You can speak to a counselor at any time at 651-646-5590. You can also call LCL’s counseling providers at Sand Creek directly 24 hours a day at 651-430-3383 or Toll-free: 1-888-243-5744. LCL serves lawyers, judges, and law students and their immediate families. Students are eligible for up to four free sessions, per issue.
Resources for Staff and Faculty
- Employee Assistance Program: Our Employee Assistance Program, through Unum, is available 24/7 to offer support to you and members of your household.
- Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL): Confidential assistance is available 24/7 from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. You can speak to a counselor at any time at 651-646-5590. You can also call LCL’s counseling providers at Sand Creek directly 24 hours a day at 651-430-3383 or Toll-free: 1-888-243-5744. LCL serves lawyers, judges, and law students and their immediate families.
Email from Jim Hilbert, interim president and dean, on Oct. 10, 2023
Good afternoon,
The events in the Middle East have impacted students, staff, and faculty at Mitchell Hamline. Many in our community have family and friends in both Israel and Gaza. The school works with adjunct faculty who live and work in the region. Some of us have studied or taught in the Dispute Resolution Institute’s Study Abroad program to the Holy Land. We will be evaluating whether the current program—Conflict Resolution from Religious Traditions—can be offered this January.
These events can be traumatic and unsettling to those of us with personal connections as well as to those of us who are not directly or personally impacted. If you need support, resources are available. Those resources are detailed at the bottom of this message.
It is incumbent on all of us to provide compassion to one another always, and especially during difficult times. As a community, we do not discriminate based on religion or ethnicity or culture or any other personal attribute. Our support for each other will not waver. Please take care of yourselves and look out for one another.
Jim Hilbert, interim president and dean
Resources for Students
- Counseling Services: Mitchell Hamline has five independent counselors operating remotely via telehealth. You can schedule an appointment by clicking the make an appointment button on the counseling website. If the counseling times offered are not workable, email counseling (at) mitchellhamline.edu for possible alternatives. If you are located outside of Minnesota, please consult our Out-of-State webpage to see which counselor you should choose for support.
- Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL): Confidential assistance is available 24/7 from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. You can speak to a counselor at any time at 651-646-5590. You can also call LCL’s counseling providers at Sand Creek directly 24 hours a day at 651-430-3383 or Toll-free: 1-888-243-5744. LCL serves lawyers, judges, and law students and their immediate families. Students are eligible for up to four free sessions, per issue.
Resources for Staff and Faculty
- Employee Assistance Program: Our Employee Assistance Program, through Unum, is available 24/7 to offer support to you and members of your household.
- Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL): Confidential assistance is available 24/7 from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. You can speak to a counselor at any time at 651-646-5590. You can also call LCL’s counseling providers at Sand Creek directly 24 hours a day at 651-430-3383 or Toll-free: 1-888-243-5744. LCL serves lawyers, judges, and law students and their immediate families.