The Working Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina (WGBiH) has formally written to Gene C. Crume Jr., President of Judson University, to express our deep concern regarding the planned appearance of Milorad Dodik at the university’s upcoming World Leaders Forum.
As announced, Mr. Dodik is scheduled to be the featured guest at the April 30, 2026, event titled “Standing Up for Democracy,” where he is also expected to receive the inaugural Leadership and Standing Up for Democracy Award. We respectfully urge the university to reconsider both the invitation and the decision to honor him.
Our Concerns About Democratic Values and Rule of Law
We believe that Mr. Dodik’s public record stands in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy that the forum seeks to promote. Over many years, he has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy and sustainability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, referring to it as a “failed” or “impossible” state, while openly advocating for the secession of Republika Srpska.
We are particularly concerned by his persistent denial of the Srebrenica Genocide. This genocide has been conclusively established by both the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice. Despite these rulings, Mr. Dodik has continued to deny these facts, even at moments of global remembrance, including following the designation by the United Nations General Assembly of July 11 as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide.
Stability, Alliances, and International Commitments
We are also concerned about Mr. Dodik’s broader political positions, which we believe undermine stability in the region. He has consistently opposed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into the European Union and NATO, while maintaining close political alignment with Vladimir Putin.
These positions, combined with his actions, have resulted in sanctions by the United States government. Additionally, we note that he has faced legal consequences within Bosnia and Herzegovina, including conviction and sentencing related to defiance of the Office of the High Representative.
Impact on Survivors and Society
We cannot overlook the human impact of Mr. Dodik’s rhetoric and policies. His denial of genocide and resistance to memorialization efforts in Republika Srpska continue to inflict pain on survivors and families of victims. Many are still waiting for the remains of their loved ones to be identified, and such denial only deepens their trauma.
We are equally troubled by his repeated use of inflammatory and anti-Muslim rhetoric. At a time when interfaith understanding and dialogue are critically needed, such statements are divisive and harmful.
Our Call to Judson University
We respectfully submit that Mr. Dodik does not represent the values of leadership or democratic principles that this forum seeks to uphold. For this reason, we strongly encourage Judson University to reconsider hosting him and awarding him at this event.
We believe that institutions of higher education play a vital role in promoting truth, accountability, and genuine democratic leadership. We hope that this decision will be revisited in that spirit.