Sanction Genocide Denier Milorad Dodik Now

I am writing as your constituent regarding the decision by Judson University to host and honor Milorad Dodik with its inaugural “Leadership and Standing Up for Democracy Award.” Mr. Dodik is a political leader from Bosnia and Herzegovina who has played a central role in destabilizing the country’s post-war order. For years, he has denied the findings of international courts regarding the Srebrenica genocide and has taken sustained actions to undermine the sovereignty and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. His rhetoric and actions have consistently threatened peace and stability in Southeast Europe. This includes direct challenges to institutions established under the Dayton Peace Agreement - the U.S.-brokered framework that ended the war and remains a cornerstone of regional stability. As a result of this conduct, Mr. Dodik was subject to U.S. sanctions for years - reflecting consistent, bipartisan recognition of his destabilizing actions and grounded in established legal findings under prior U.S. government determinations. Mr. Dodik has also maintained close political alignment with Vladimir Putin, including repeated high-level engagements, raising serious concerns about external efforts to undermine stability in the Western Balkans - an area of longstanding U.S. strategic interest and investment. This issue goes beyond differences of opinion or academic exchange. It raises a broader question about how the United States engages with foreign political actors whose actions undermine democratic institutions. In the absence of consistent enforcement of sanctions, Mr. Dodik has expanded efforts to gain legitimacy within the United States, including appearances such as this one, while promoting misleading and divisive narratives. When institutions choose to honor individuals, it sends a signal about what conduct is considered acceptable. In this case, that signal is deeply concerning. If left unaddressed, appearances like this are likely to become more frequent - particularly in academic and public settings - giving broader exposure to narratives that undermine democratic norms and internationally established truths. If the United States does not act, this will not be the last such event - it will be the first of many. Clear and consistent enforcement of sanctions remains one of the most effective tools to deter destabilizing behavior, uphold U.S. credibility, and prevent further normalization of these patterns on U.S. soil. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to support the reimposition of sanctions on Milorad Dodik.