In Support of Academic Freedom

Abstract

We, members of Executive Committee of International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies (Network), oppose renewed initiatives that support an academic boycott of Israeli academic institutions. We also oppose Israeli restrictions on Palestinian students that prevent them from studying at institutions of higher in Israel, West Bank, and abroad. We call on national academies affiliated with our Network to do same. We reiterate our belief in the free exchange of ideas and opinions among scientists and scholars in all countries, which thereby stimulates the development of collaborative educational, research and human-rights endeavors within academies and institutions with which they are affiliated. Boycotts deny our colleagues their to freedom of opinion and expression; interfere with their ability to exercise their bona fide academic freedoms; inhibit free circulation of scientists and scientific ideas; impose unjust punishment, and impede the instrumental role played by scientists and scholars in promotion of peace and human rights ([1][1]). We also oppose Israeli restrictions on Palestinian students such as ban imposed in 2000 that prevents all Palestinian students in Gaza from traveling to West Bank to study, and a statement earlier this month by Israeli military that it will continue to prevent Gaza students from studying in Israel. Additionally, a recommendation by Israeli Supreme Court that Ministry of Defense submit criteria for allowing Palestinian students from West Bank to study in Israel has repeatedly been delayed to point that West Bank residents, still banned from studying in Israel, now risk missing Israeli university application deadlines for coming academic year. We reiterate hope expressed in our 6 November 2006 statement to Israeli authorities ([2][2]) that their policy of academic exclusion will be promptly reversed. In that same statement, we joined Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities in opposing measures, by any government, restricting or impairing ability of scientists and students to carry out their scientific work and to discharge their scientific or academic responsibilities. We also agree with four Israeli university presidents and a number of prominent intellectuals who recently wrote that [b]locking access to higher for Palestinian students from Gaza who choose to study in West Bank casts a dark shadow over Israel's image as a state which respects and supports principle of academic freedom and right to education ([3][3]). Lastly, we recall and continue to support joint statement of cooperation, signed at our Network's May 2005 meeting by Sari Nusseibeh and Menachem Magidor, presidents of Al-Quds University and Hebrew University, respectively, that said, Our disaffection with, and condemnation of acts of academic boycotts and discrimination against scholars and institutions, is predicated on principles of academic freedom, human rights, and equality between nations and among individuals. We therefore call upon academics here and worldwide to act in support of our mission, as one which might allow for ending our shared tragedy rather than prolonging it ([4][4]). 1. 1.[↵][5] For full text of 13 June 2002, statement, see [www7.nationalacademies.org/humanrights/In\_Support\_of\_Scientific\_Exchange.html][6]. 2. 2.[↵][7] See [www7.nationalacademies.org/humanrights/Network\_Statement\_Access\_to\_Education\_Nov\_2006.html][8]. 3. 3.[↵][9] The presidents of Ben-Gurion University (Rivka Carmi), Hebrew University (Menachem Megidor), Haifa University (Aharon Ben-Zeev), Technion (Yitzhak Apeloig), and a group of Israeli authors, including Amos Oz, A. B. Yehoshua, David Grossman, Nathan Zach, Ariel Hirschfeld, Agi Mishol, and Yitzhak Laor (see [www.gisha.org/index.php?intLanguage=2&intItemId=426&intSiteSN=113][10]). 4. 4.[↵][11] The full text can be found in Proceedings of meeting: [www.nap.edu/catalog/11740.html][12]. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #ref-3 [4]: #ref-4 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1. in text [6]: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/humanrights/In_Support_of_Scientific_Exchange.html [7]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2. in text [8]: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/humanrights/Network_Statement_Access_to_Education_Nov_2006.html [9]: #xref-ref-3-1 View reference 3. in text [10]: http://www.gisha.org/index.php?intLanguage=2&intItemId=426&intSiteSN=113 [11]: #xref-ref-4-1 View reference 4. in text [12]: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11740.html