Universities throughout the United States are reacting to the American Studies Association’s decision to boycott Israeli academic institutions and their representatives as a means to protest Israeli treatment of Palestinians.
Carol Folt’s recent statement regarding the triviality of the boycott appropriately dismissed the decision of the ASA, an organization consisting of a relatively meager 5,000 members.
The remaining universities and university leaders that have not yet declared a position would be wise to follow Chancellor Folt’s precedent. This is an opportunity for all Universities to publicly rededicate themselves to academic liberty.
The stances of such an obscure organization are a non-issue, so it’s silly to shed unnecessary light on an outlandish boycott. Chancellor Folt’s prioritization of academic liberty, regardless of national boundaries or political will, is a cause being taken up by leaders in multiple universities. Chancellor Folt recognized that such boycotts pose a risk to the integrity of students’ education.
Universities have a mandate to protect the free exchange of ideas and academic services, a mandate clearly in contradiction with the ASA’s boycott on Israel. Universities must never stop protecting their students’ education. Rather than engaging in political battles that damage the educative abilities of the University, universities should show solidarity in supporting the exchange of knowledge and education.
So well done, Chancellor Folt, for not only recognizing that education should be first, but also taking a stance on it. Hopefully such a public statement will help guide those that have yet to speak on the issue.
