Protect Academic Freedom at the University of Cape Town
As concerned students, parents and alumni of the University of Cape Town, we are aware of the ongoing campaign calling for an academic boycott of Israeli institutions at UCT. With this in mind, we call upon UCT’s management and leadership to stand against this campaign. We believe that the implementation of a wholesale academic boycott against Israel violates the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech, guaranteed in Section 16 of the South African Constitution and which are fundamental to the undertaking of education and research.
Research, teaching, and scholarship flourish through robust exchange of ideas, across borders and among institutions in different parts of the world, including the Middle East. The true essence of a university is to foster dialogue and develop solutions to problems without regard to political, racial, and cultural differences. UCT has always shown these qualities, leading us to celebrate our association with UCT.
Additionally, we are concerned that despite there being a difference between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, there is a dangerous convergence. Conclusive evidence shows that anti-Semitism is on the rise globally, and it is a new type of Jew-hatred that masks itself as opposition to Israel’s state policies and Zionism.
Student groups are well-known for their efforts to isolate the Jewish state’s universities, students and academics. And all too often student groups like the Palestine Solidarity Forum (PSF), at UCT, do not make the profound distinction between anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, and criticism of the policies of a particular Israeli government.
It is these blurred lines and misunderstandings that create a negative impact on campus for Jewish students, making them one of the most targeted minority groups at university.