University of California President Janet Napolitano joined other heads of prominent universities in denouncing a national scholar organization’s recent vote for an academic boycott of Israel.
The American Studies Association’s National Council said it voted for such a boycott because it contends that Israeli policies have deprived Palestinian scholars and students of their academic freedoms.
But Napolitano, echoing similar concerns from other prominent university presidents, said such a boycott threatens free speech and the free exchange of ideas.
“Universities depend on the unrestrained exchange of ideas, and it is our role to defend academic freedom and our scholars’ ability to pursue research of their choice,” Napolitano said in a statement released Monday. “An academic boycott goes against the spirit of the University of California, which has long championed open dialogue and collaboration with international scholars.”
Under an academic boycott of Israel, the American Studies Association said it will not establish any formal collaborations with Israeli universities or any scholars who are serving expressly on behalf of Israeli universities or the Israeli government.
The association, which issued its statement on its decision earlier this month, said its boycott was prompted by U.S. support of Israel, Israel’s violations of international law and of UN resolutions, impacts of Israeli occupation and policies particularly on Palestinian scholars and students.
Compiled by Kristen Taketa, Bruin senior staff.
I sent this to Ms. Napolitano:
Dear President Napolitano:
I am Jewish and am completely in agreement with any weapon (other than guns and bombs) used to fight the apartheid that continues to exist there [sic Israel]. I am ashamed of the actions of the Israelies and how they have shamefully treated their neighbors. Just as South Africa had its apartheid, Israel has one as well. This is not amatter of free speech, it is a matter of justice and equality. Shame on them and shame on you.
No surprise that an individual who destroyed the lives of countless families while heading DHS would unabashedly support a murderous apartheid state.
I’m finally getting my degree from UCLA this spring after having started college in 1988. My only regret is that my diploma will have Napolitano’s vile signature on it.
Dear President Napolitano,
I don’t agree with you on almost anything and was severely upset and disappointed when you took over the UC system, so imagine my surprise when I found that we actually agree on something. I think it is appalling that Israel continually gets blamed for all that’s regions problems. And I stand by Israel 100%. Israel may not be a perfect nation, but it is far better than the Arab regimes that proliferate that corner of the world and treat its women worse than dogs. I stand by you and this decision. Whoa, there is a phrase I never thought I would say.
At least Napolitano had the sense to oppose this idiotic and biggoted boycott.
I do not stand with Israel. They need to change the way they think – being more honest and fair with others, having more integrity in the scope of the larger picture, having empathy for others and not just for their own kind – before they can expect to gain respect from the world. FYI, am I wrong in thinking that some Jews are Israeli, but not all Israelis are Jews? I like the Jewish culture, but I’m not a big fan of Israeli culture as it is today.