A message from Dr. Scott regarding the ASA's boycott.
Dear Colleague:
As you have no doubt read, the American Studies Association, an academic membershipÌýgroup consisting of institutions and individuals, has called for a boycott of Israeli academicÌýinstitutions as a form of support for Palestinian scholars. I do not support such a boycottÌýbecause, while individuals do and should have freedom of speech, organizations must ensure theÌýrights of the minority of members when they express speech. Also, to limit a boycott to IsraeliÌýinstitutions ignores nations whose policies toward refugees and other captive populations are alsoÌýcontroversial.
Instead, academics and academic institutions should encourage the free interchange ofÌýthought and opinion and, if necessary, organize fact-finding efforts as well as inventory andÌýpublish violations of academic freedom and other restrictions and threats to institutions andÌýindividuals.
Academic freedom is about the expression and debate of ideas, not the punishment ofÌýthose we think should defy their government’s policy.
Thank you.
Robert A. Scott, President
ÇÑ×ÓÊÓÆµ
Garden City, NY 11530
For further information, please contact:
Todd Wilson
Strategic Communications DirectorÌý
p – 516.237.8634
e – twilson@adelphi.edu