American Prestige Special - Democratizing the AHA w/ Alexander Aviña and Ahmad Shokr
Aug 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alexander Aviña, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, and Ahmad Shokr from Swarthmore College, dive into recent controversies within the American Historical Association. They tackle the organization’s response to political issues like the Gaza resolution and the concept of 'scholasticide,' highlighting a broader conversation on institutional accountability. The duo advocates for democratic reforms in academia, critiques the corporate shift in higher education, and emphasizes historians' ethical obligation to engage with pressing global struggles.
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AHA's Palestine Resolution Veto
- The American Historical Association (AHA) council vetoed a resolution condemning scholasticide in Gaza despite overwhelming member support.
- This veto highlighted a troubling double standard and underscored a need for more internal democracy within the AHA.
Politics and Legitimacy in History
- The claim that AHA must avoid politics to remain legitimate is inconsistent given its past political statements.
- The discipline of history and its organizations often exhibit political and epistemological conservatism.
Petition Candidates Win AHA Seats
- Petition candidacies within the AHA represent democratic potential and were used to challenge the veto.
- Three out of five petition candidates supported by the coalition won seats, reflecting member enthusiasm for democracy.