2024 Provost's Forum: Universities and the Israel-Palestine Conflict: How to Discuss, How to Engage?

The reaction on college campuses to the October 7 attacks, the ongoing war in Gaza, and the resulting humanitarian crises has been one of the defining events of the last year. The Provost's Forum will be an opportunity to explore how universities can foster constructive discourse and greater understanding on the conflicts in the Middle East and apply knowledge and skills to help address critical needs in the region. Session topics will include: • The challenge of facilitating campus dialogue on this and other contentious issues; • Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias and discrimination; and • Duke-led projects making a difference and opportunities for members of the Duke community to get involved. The forum, organized by the Provost's Initiative on the Middle East, will feature a keynote address by Robert Pape, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and lead author of the study, "Understanding Campus Fears After October 7 and How to Reduce Them." Provost Alec D. Gallimore will open the forum, and panel discussions will include Duke scholars from a wide range of academic disciplines. Each session will provide ample opportunities for audience engagement, with a particular focus on developing conversational skill sets and building bridges among those with different perspectives. Due to overwhelming interest, registration is now closed. A live simulcast of the program will be shown in Page Auditorium for members of the Duke community. No registration is required.