Freshman Florida Congressman Carlos Curbelo, along with five colleagues, launched a resolution Tuesday condemning academic boycotts of Israel.
Various groups have floated academic boycotts of Israel, and the American Studies Association (ASA) adopted a boycott measure at the end of 2013. First adopted at the controversial 2001 Durban Conference -- from which Israel and the United States pulled out after it equated Zionism with racism -- enemies of Israel continue to push Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) efforts.
The resolution praises opponents of the boycott for having “shown dedication to the free and open exchange of ideas" and "encourages institutions of higher education to enhance and accelerate their engagement with counterpart Israeli institutions."
Republican Curbelo called out the BDS efforts as he brought out his resolution on Tuesday.
“The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement on college campuses has unfairly singled out Israel, our closest friend and ally in the extremely volatile Middle East,” Curbelo said. “Academic boycotts eliminate the possibility of open exchanges of ideas, and it is time for Congress to take notice and make a statement in support of academic freedom. American institutions must be able to engage in academic exchange with Israeli institutions, and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues who are committed to helping this important resolution move forward.
“All those involved in the higher education system profit from the exchange of varying views and ideas,” Curbelo added. “University leaders have recently observed a decline in joint scientific research with global companies over concern that their combined results would be boycotted. This example is one of many that illustrate the repercussions of the BDS campaign. To stifle respectful debate on college campuses is a threat to academia. This lack of acceptance is a tragedy, and students and teachers, no matter their origin, should be allowed to learn and teach freely.”
Curbelo had five co-sponsors lined up for his resolution Tuesday: Republican U.S. Reps. Doug Lamborn of Colorado and Elise Stefanik of New York and Democratic U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon, Kevin Boyle of Pennsylvania and Brian Higgins of New York.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) also stands behind the measure.
"Efforts to uniquely isolate Israeli institutions and scholars undermine academic freedom and, moreover, do not advance the cause of peace," said Richard Foltin, AJC’s director of national and legislative affairs. "We applaud this important measure and encourage quick House adoption of it.
"Israeli-Palestinian peace will not be achieved through boycotts," Foltin added. "The vision of sustainable peace can and will be achieved in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and those who truly support peace should not pursue punitive measures against the state of Israel."
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
