Bill would de-fund college programs that boycott IsraeL

[hrmjustin]

By Tiffany Brooks
New York lawmakers are looking to cut state funding to public and private colleges that support the academic boycott of Israeli institutions.

The American Studies Association is the latest organization to join an academic boycott against Israel in a movement known as Boycott, Sanction, and Disinvestment, which calls for colleges and other organizations to boycott the country over the treatment of Palestinians.

While the movement calls for a boycott of Israeli colleges and universities, it does not target professors or students engaged in "ordinary forms of academic exchange," such as conferences, public lectures, and research collaboration.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Speaker, D-Manhattan, and Senate Majority Co-leader Jeffery Klein, D-Bronx, have sponsored similar bills (A.8392-a/S.6438) that would prohibit the use of state aid by a college to fund an academic group that boycotts Israeli institutions.

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-02-24-86920.113122-Bill-would-defund-college-programs-that-boycott-IsraeL.html


I take no position on the boycott but I think this bill is wrong. It will only inflame things for Israel here I think.

[oldandhappy]

1. academic freedom, choice, ya ya I am smiling