Posted on 01/13/2014 11:47:08 AM PST by Academiadotorg
At the Modern Language Association (MLA) 2014 convention in Chicago, delegates defeated a resolution to boycott Israel akin to one proposed by the American Studies Association (ASA), which had put forward an academic boycott this past year with the public support of Stephen Hawking.
At the MLA, though, the delegate convention failed to pass a resolution to support an academic boycott in a fairly close vote, as reported by Inside Higher Ed. Instead, the MLA delegates passed a resolution to ask the U.S. State Department to consider a boycott of Israel for occupying Palestinian territories. This was a far cry from their goal of an academic boycott of Israeli universities.
Indeed, MLA members and delegates we interacted with attested to the contentious nature of the debate.
Predictably, the Radical Caucus of the MLA, arguably a fringe group within a fringe group, was full-throated in its support of the ASA. Its resolution, submitted by Montclair State University president Grover C. Furr read:
“Whereas members of the American Studies Association voted in December 2013 in favor of an academic boycott of Israeli universities;
“Whereas ASA members have been threatened for upholding the vote;
“Whereas MLA resolution 2012-1 affirms that academics involved in social justice movements should not fear reprisals,
“Be it resolved that the MLA condemns the attacks on the ASA and supports the right of academic organizations and individuals, free from intimidation, to take positions in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle against racism.
“Be it further resolved that the MLA encourages robust discussion of issues regarding the academic freedom of Palestinians.”
Like many of the allegations of the Radical Caucus, and Furr, for that matter, this bill of particulars was accompanied by no supporting documentation, in contrast to the case made by opponents of the boycott.
For example, a group called MLA Members for Scholars’ Rights claimed that, “The proposed resolution also neglects to mention the role of other significant obstacles in improving Palestinian higher education.”
“Research published in 2011 indicates that Palestinian universities have trouble recruiting international faculty because of low salaries and poor working conditions.” The group claimed that Cary Nelson wrote the brief that contained this observation. If so, it would be of a piece with an article he wrote which appeared in the Wall Street Journal on the day the convention began—January 9.
“Despite the claims of boycott advocates that they are all about promoting freedom, an academic boycott will inevitably inhibit interaction between American and Israeli professors,” Nelson wrote. “As more than 100 university presidents have argued in rejecting the American Studies Association boycott resolution, academic freedom can only survive if international exchanges are promoted, not curtailed.”
I used to get the MLA style book for writing research papers. I didn’t realize they had a “radical wing”, or had a position on Israelis and the so-called Palestinians.
What’s next? Are Merriam-Webster, Encyclopedia Britannica, and Cliff’s Notes going to weigh in, too?
There is a special broiler in hell for hawking.
Stephen Hawking supports the Palestinians over the Israelis? My opinion of him just slipped a little bit more.
Just goes to show that a high intellect does not always equal a wise person.
Isn't Dr. Hawking allowed to go where he wants to? The same as Dr. Dershoitzs? The same standards against Israel are the ones that were applied against South Africa. No I don't think it's fair. But it should not be unexpected. Sorry if I have left with a "one liner" but I have a job.
Will someone please explain what purpose the American Studies Association (ASA)serves? heck, they can’t even NAME themselves properly.
American Studies Society is a much more apt name for them..
I can see the headline now:
“Cliff’s Notes Condemns Torah - Too Long, They Claim.”
At first I thought the Modern Language Association was a fan club for a certain eighties new wave band — but then I realized I was misremembering the name of the group.
Perhaps he never got over having his butt kicked by that former plumber with the Jewish sounding name over Black Hole Theory?
I can definitely see him becoming obsessed over losing a board game to someone who doesn’t even have a PHD!! He would mull over that loss for the next ten years.
I had a friend who worked for the MLA shortly after graduation who, disgustedly, reported that the MLA had (or has) a policy where they do not hold their conventions in states or municipalities that have laws against sodomy. That’s the MLA.
So do I. Six days a week.
Could be.
> Like many of the allegations of the Radical Caucus, and Furr, for that matter, this bill of particulars was accompanied by no supporting documentation, in contrast to the case made by opponents of the boycott.
Thanks Academiadotorg.
BDS lied about Stephen Hawking joining anti-Israel academic boycott
legalinsurrection.com | 5-8-2013 | William A. Jacobson
Posted on 5/8/2013 9:02:16 AM by servo1969
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3017019/posts
Earlier, the university said that news reports saying Hawking was boycotting the conference were wrong, and that the noted physicist’s decision to cancel his visit to Israel stemmed from health reasons alone.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3017226/posts
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