Article: A few weeks ago, the American Studies Association voted to endorse an academic boycott against Israel. Though this is seen throughout Europe, it was the first time a mainstream academic association in America chose to do so. There was immediate backlash against this. As of yesterday, 157 universities have condemned the boycott, as well as nearly all major academic associations and several congresspeople.
Today begins the MLA (Modern Language Association) annual convention in Chicago. They are having a round-table filled solely with anti-Israel speakers on why they endorse academic boycotts. Jewish organizations have been organizing for weeks, and have prepared a counter panel and statements on why this round-table is biased and misinformed.
Discussion:
- What does academic boycott mean? Who does it hurt?
- What are the best ways to fight a boycott?
- Why is it unjust to have an academic boycott (Speak about academic freedom, flow of information and the need for lack of boundaries for research and education)
- A lawyer and Cornell professor is suing the ASA for breaking its tax exempt status (501(c)(3)) by issuing an academic boycott of Israel. He argues that it makes the ASA a political organization, not an educational one. What do you think?
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