UCU: Not big fans of irony

Tom Harris MP Sat May 31, 2008 at 09:54:10 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Relieved to see that Bill Ramell, the universities minister, has tried to talk some sense to delegates to the University and College Union (UCU) conference over their boycott of Israeli academics. He told them: “I profoundly disagree with cutting links with Israeli academics,” and added: “Boycotting academics is something I find deeply disturbing. I can find no evidence that such a strategy will further peace in the Middle East.”




Despite this common sense approach, congress inevitably voted to boycott Israeli academics show solidarity with Palestine.

Interestingly, the same agenda which called for colleagues to be “asked to consider the moral and political implications of educational links with Israeli institutions, and to discuss the occupation with individuals and institutions concerned, including Israeli colleagues with whom they are collaborating” also “reaffirmed (UCU’s) commitment to helping international colleagues denied the freedoms they enjoy.”

Good to see that irony is alive and well among our academics.

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UCU: Not big fans of irony | 2 comments (2 topical)

Re: UCU: Not big fans of irony (#1)

by otware on Sat May 31, 2008 at 12:55:13 PM GMT

I agree entirely. I Support UCU on every other issue, my mother is a member and they have been fantastic at helping her at times. But boycotting academics is ridiculous from a point of principle - knowledge and learning comes before stuff like this, or should at a university anyway.

Also there is the fact that many Israeli students and academics disagree with Israeli policy towards Palestine.

I think that they could make their disagreement with Israel known without any boycotting. A simple resolution condmning Israeli policy would suffice. 


Re: UCU: Not big fans of irony (#2)

by jkitleft on Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 01:45:22 PM GMT

Agreed. Why not focus attention on companies like Caterpillar? There is a disproportionate amount of criticism in Israeli academics for the policies of their government.


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UCU: Not big fans of irony | 2 comments (2 topical)