Way forward others can follow
IT IS a primary duty of universities to uphold the fundamental principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law. Academic staff own the right to research, debate and disseminate their findings without fear of censorship or control. These responsibilities are ones which are elemental to the mission of the University of Exeter; principles which express the very heart of our academic endeavour.
So our planned conference on Settler Colonialism in Palestine, funded by peer review, will go ahead on the October 2-4, reflecting the importance of the role that universities play not in deciding who is right or wrong but in providing a safe space for ideas to be heard.
In hosting any academic conference, it is also our legal and moral responsibility to ensure that nobody is excluded because of their beliefs or views, and that we provide an environment for open discourse for the advancement of knowledge. But there is no obligation for universities to provide a balance of views, despite what some have argued. The University of Exeter must remain neutral in order to ensure there is opportunity for all views to be expressed no matter how challenging to individuals, groups or even nations.
In dialogue with the Jewish community it has been our utmost priority to respect the community’s perspectives, and fully acknowledge their views around our academic conference. We have therefore sought to shed more light on the issues at hand by providing a further opportunity for debate, after our conference has taken place. Sir Steve Smith is vice-chancellor of Exeter University
SO-CALLED ACADEMIC conferences on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict have been a constant thorn in the side of our community. They are not only an affront to us by questioning the legitimacy of Israel but they have also sought to undermine the position of our community by
The activities of Jewish settlers will be on the agenda at Exeter University “weaponising” academic discourse to advance a political cause.
When the Jewish leadership Council heard of the conference on “Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Workshop on the Naqab Bedouin” we felt the title and content was morally unacceptable.
It is vital that students feel there is a safe space for them to support Israel. Here, the call for papers was so narrow and timed in a way that it was clear that the organisers did not want to receive any that contradicted the conference.
We must recognise that it is not for us to interfere with academic freedom. By having constructive and respectful talks with Exeter University and Universities UK, the JLC has created a model for positive discussion between our community and universities across the UK.
It means that, if there are such conferences in the future, the university concerned and the JLC can work together to find a solution. We will aim to create a safe space for opposing views, those that support the State of Israel, to be heard in academic debate.
I pay tribute to Sir Steve Smith, the Exeter vice-chancellor and his leadership team, for recognising this as a charged issue and for working with us. We hope that by creating conditions for a fair exchange of views we will have created a lasting legacy.
Simon Johnson is JLC chief executive