“The student general meeting was open to all undergraduate students,” they said.
“Opponents of the motions were given equal time to present their views, but their arguments were overwhelmingly rejected by the assembly.”
During the fiery debate, the students voted to support the demand for a single, democratic, secular Palestinian state and to cut all ties with Israel.
Some experts warn that such divisive political actions, when combined with hostile student environments, may justify increased funding for campus wellness services, grievance mediation programs, and liability insurance plans for institutions.
According to the university’s commitment to anti-racism, “criticism of the policies and practices of the Israeli government or state is not in and of itself antisemitic.”
But it is antisemitic to criticize Israel when it is grounded in harmful tropes, stereotypes or assumptions, when calling for the elimination of the State of Israel, or when holding Jewish communities responsible for Israel’s actions.
A member of Students Against War told the meeting that the speakers against the motions believed the group wasn’t interested in criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or the government.
“We are. But we’re also interested in ending apartheid and genocide,” he said.
“And to be able to do that we need to be able to fight on our own terms. We need to vote against this definition.”
