Israel-Gaza war on campus part 2: a chilling effect on academic freedom
Dec 18, 2023
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Neve Gordon, Professor of international law and human rights, Queen Mary University of London, discusses the chilling effect of the Israel-Gaza war on academic freedom. Topics include suppression of academic freedom, rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and the impact of the war on freedom of speech.
The Israel-Gaza War is having a chilling effect on academic freedom, leading to the suppression of individuals' views on the conflict.
The conflation between criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism stifles speech on Palestine and creates a chilling effect on academics and students.
Deep dives
The Origins of Academic Freedom
Academic freedom has its roots in the Middle Ages as a way for universities to protect themselves from external control. The concept emerged from the idea of freedom to teach and learn, which was based on the pursuit of truth and the need for freedom in academic inquiry. The dominant views should not suppress the search for knowledge and truth.
The Impact on Academic Freedom
The Israel-Gaza War has had a significant impact on academic freedom, particularly in the UK. Examples include the suspension of students and staff, cancelation of events and student activities, arrests, and threats to revoke student visas. These actions have created a chilling effect, discouraging individuals from expressing their views on the conflict.
Expanding Definition of Anti-Semitism and its Consequences
The widening definition of anti-Semitism, particularly the IHRA definition, has raised concerns about academic freedom and freedom of speech. Criticism of Israel and anti-Zionist stances are often conflated with anti-Semitism, leading to accusations and investigations. This conflation stifles speech on Palestine and creates a chilling effect on academics and students who fear being branded as anti-Semitic, even if the accusations are not upheld.
Across parts of academia, concerns are mounting that the Israel-Gaza war is having a chilling effect on academic freedom. In the second of two episodes exploring how the war is affecting life at universities, we speak to an Israeli legal scholar, now based in the UK, about the pressures that academics and students are facing to rein in their views about the war.
Featuring Neve Gordon, professor of international law and human rights, Queen Mary University of London in the UK.
This episode was written by Gemma Ware and produced by Mend Mariwany. Sound design is by Eloise Stevens and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Full credits available here. A transcript is now available.