LONDON (EJP)—The University of Cambridge has opposed the planned boycott of Israeli academic institutions.
At its Council meeting on 23 July, the University’s unanimously endorsed the following statement: “UCU members are free to debate the pros and cons of an institutional boycott of Israeli universities. Universities UK, however, would oppose any such boycott as this would be inimical to academic freedom, including the freedom of academics to collaborate with other academics, regardless of nationality or location.”
In May, at its annual congress, Britain’s University and College Union (UCU) had voted a motion urging lecturers to “consider the moral implications of existing and proposed links with Israeli academic institutions,” to protest the treatment of the Palestinians.
Lorna Fitzsimons, head of BICOM, a pro-Israel group, and joint chair of the ‘’Stop the Boycott’’ organization has welcomed the Cambridge University move.
She said: “It clearly demonstrates how out of touch boycott supporters are with the wider academic community. We fully support the decision of the Council of the University of Cambridge as a boycott would not only severely damage the reputation of British academia but would be disastrous for peace in the Middle East.”
