Bill Text: MI HR0323 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to condemn the boycott of Israeli universities by the American Studies Association.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-6)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-03-19 - Referred To Committee On Education [HR0323 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-HR0323-Introduced.html
Rep. Schor offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 323.
A resolution to condemn the boycott of Israeli universities by the American Studies Association.
Whereas, Last December the American Studies Association issued a resolution endorsing a boycott of Israeli academic institutions in answer to a call for a campaign of boycott, divestment, and sanctions by the Palestinian civil society; and
Whereas, A boycott of academic institutions directly violates the fundamental principle of academic freedom. The Association of American Universities has issued a statement, supported by many individual university officials, including the President of Michigan State University, strongly opposing this boycott. Political considerations should not be allowed to interfere with the academic freedom of not only Israeli scholars, but American scholars who might be pressured to comply with the boycott; and
Whereas, This boycott could be a serious detriment to Jewish Studies programs at many American higher education institutions. Israeli exchange programs, including Michigan State University's summer study abroad and Visiting Israeli Scholars Program, could be negatively affected. Scholars should not be restricted from working with or collaborating with fellow academics in other countries; and
Whereas, Academic freedom should not be sacrificed in efforts to address political issues. The boycott of Israeli academic institutions clearly violates this principle, which the American higher education community, as well as institutions elsewhere, hold dear; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we condemn the boycott of Israeli universities by the American Studies Association; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the American Studies Association, the Association of American Universities, and the President's Council, State Universities of Michigan.
