SBU president did a worthy balancing act

The story “SBU president defends acts amid protests” [News, May 9] did not adequately explain Maurie McInnis’ commendable leadership at Stony Brook University.

As president, she has balanced the protection of free expression for all community members while enforcing our policies and rules designed to ensure content-neutral protection of free speech and the safety of all 45,000 students, faculty and staff on campus.

Her handling of recent events, particularly in response to tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war, showed McInnis prioritized inclusivity and dialogue, fostering an environment conducive to robust debate.

Since coming to SBU in 2020, McInnis’ leadership has brought immense positive change and improvement to SBU, one of only two State University of New York flagship campuses. Long Islanders should be aware of her efforts in maintaining a peaceful, respectful and safe atmosphere when other college campuses are unfortunately experiencing turmoil.

— Kevin S. Law, St. James

The writer is chairman of the Stony Brook University Council.

As an SBU graduate, I’m somewhat disappointed in the SBU protests. Professors getting arrested in a protest is a big no-no. A professor’s role is to educate, not indoctrinate students.

These professors should present both sides of an issue and let the students decide their viewpoints. Also, how many protesters are students? How many are outsiders? A public institute of learning shouldn’t be the place for demonstrations, nor should they be held on university grounds.

Recently, SBU has become a place of discontented individuals who should focus on both sides of an issue, not just one side.

Hamas’ horrific Oct. 7 acts were criminal, barbaric and inhuman. Most educated people should understand this. Israel didn’t ask to be in a war, but it has a right to defend itself.

— Frank Knight, Mastic

It is disappointing to see all eight May 12 letters suggest that the national student protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s catastrophic war strategy would lead to Israel’s demise [“Campus protests: Passions soaring,” Opinion].

Many groups, such as Jewish Voice for Peace, stand alongside our students, simply demanding a peaceful way forward. “From the river to the sea” can be interpreted by some as a plea for peace for all. To cut off funding to Israel is a plea to cut off funding for Netanyahu’s shortsighted world view.

The readers miss the most important point — that Israel would be unable to destroy hospitals, universities, churches and homes if the United States does not provide the funds and artillery.

There is a peaceful way forward if our country stops providing arms, and all the disputed land is divided in half. A new map of Palestine must be contiguous land. And each side, Israel and Palestine, gets 50% of the Mediterranean Sea coastline. Both must agree, along with Hamas, leaving no reason for Hamas to exist.

— Steve Rolston, Baldwin

The May 12 letters are one-sided. From many accounts, most protests were peaceful and not dissimilar to those that took place about Vietnam.

In hindsight, the students protesting Vietnam were right. In this case, according to recent figures from the Gaza health ministry, students are seeing that over 34,000 humans, including children, women, doctors and journalists, have been killed, and tens of thousands more maimed or starved. The survivors are being displaced by U.S. funding of weapons to Israel.

The media has focused on some individual acts committed by a few that were antisemitic, but overall, the protesters were doing what protesters do; they disrupt.

Oh, before I get accused of being antisemitic, I’m Jewish and want the hostages home and believe that a country has the right to defend itself but not to commit war crimes.

— Judi Gardner, Melville

The silence surrounding Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine is deafening [“Russia says it captured 5 villages,” News, May 12]. While protests against other injustices, such as Israel’s actions against the Palestinians, garner widespread attention and condemnation, the same fervor seems notably absent when it comes to Russia’s actions. Why the double standard?

— Martin Blumberg, Melville

Of all the things that could get former president Donald Trump elected, I highly doubt pro-Palestinian protests would [“College protests could help elect Trump,” Opinion, May 3]. I would think the more substantial reasons include the problems with inflation, the southern border and urban crime.

— Dan McCally, East Islip

Isn’t it interesting that the same students who refuse to accept the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism — because it might limit their free-speech right to criticize Israel — also refuse to allow pro-Israel students and professors to speak on their campuses?

— Allan Mosak, Cedarhurst

The professors are the fire. The students are the kindling.

— Martin Silberg, Jericho