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Boycott of Israeli Universities: A Repugnant Attack on Academic Freedom

(Los Angeles Times) Michael S. Roth - The American Studies Assn. recently passed a resolution that "endorses and...honor[s] the call of Palestinian civil society for a boycott of Israeli academic institutions." The boycott is a repugnant attack on academic freedom, declaring academic institutions off-limits because of their national affiliation. Here's what the American Assn. of University Professors has to say about the importance of unfettered interaction among scholars: "Since its founding in 1915, the AAUP has been committed to preserving and advancing the free exchange of ideas among academics irrespective of governmental policies and however unpalatable those policies may be viewed. We reject proposals that curtail the freedom of teachers and researchers to engage in work with academic colleagues, and we reaffirm the paramount importance of the freest possible international movement of scholars and ideas." There is plenty of debate among Israeli scholars about the policies of their government, and there is plenty of debate among Israeli, Palestinian and other scholars about a reasonable path forward in the Middle East. As president of Wesleyan University, and as a historian, I deplore this politically retrograde resolution of the American Studies Assn. Under the guise of phony progressivism, the group has initiated an irresponsible attack on academic freedom. Others in academia should reject this call for an academic boycott.
2013-12-23 00:00:00
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