Letter to Israeli Universities, Colleges and Israel's Council for Higher Education

The BRISMES Committee on Academic Freedom has written to presidents of Israeli universities and colleges and to members of Israel's Council for Higher Education to express our profound concern over the suspension and investigation of scores of Palestinian citizens of Israel, who are students and staff in institutions of higher education.

It is precisely during times of war that academic freedom and freedom of expression are tested and need to be assiduously and robustly protected. This will inevitably and necessarily include defending the right of individuals to express views that others may find offensive or challenging, while also abiding by the duty of care in those cases that Palestinian students are attacked by right wing students or groups. 

We therefore call on the leaders of Israeli universities and on members of Israel's Council for Higher Education to publicly restate their commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression on campuses, and to ensure the freedom of students and staff to express themselves, even when their views may be the views of a minority or may challenge the dominant viewpoint.