Dear President [Last Name],
I am reaching out to address a pressing concern: the increasing prevalence of shadow boycotts targeting Israeli, Jewish and openly Zionist academics at [University Name] and institutions nationwide. This harmful trend, which has grown in response to the Israel-Hamas war, undermines the values of academic freedom and diversity that form the cornerstone of higher education.
Shadow boycotts entail the subtle yet systematic exclusion of Israeli, Jewish or openly Zionist academics from research collaborations, academic journals, and teaching opportunities. Unlike overt divestment movements, these covert actions are challenging to track and quantify, yet their impact is profound and far-reaching. They exclude and ostracize Jewish and Israeli scholars and students, creating an unwelcoming environment contrary to the inclusive ethos universities aim to uphold and narrowing the academic perspectives available to our students.
If needed, insert examples of shadow boycotts at [University].
This exclusion not only deprives students of valuable learning experiences, but also perpetuates a homogenous academic discourse that stifles intellectual growth and fails to reflect the global diversity universities should champion. This also holds true as Israeli academia often reflects some of the most diverse voices within Israel – including well-informed and research-based critiques of Israeli government policies.
This environment also breeds an atmosphere of discriminatory exclusion and bias, leading to a significant chilling effect on free speech and scholarly exchange. Universities must safeguard their role as proponents of open dialogue and diverse perspectives, where ideas are debated on merit rather than political alignment.
As president of [University Name], your leadership is crucial in countering this detrimental trend. We urge you to publicly condemn shadow boycotts and affirm your commitment to fostering a campus environment that embraces academic freedom and inclusivity. By strengthening partnerships with Israeli institutions and encouraging collaborations with Jewish, Israeli and openly Zionist scholars, [University Name] can set a precedent for resisting discriminatory practices and advancing a robust exchange of ideas.
In doing so, [University Name] will not only uphold its moral and educational obligations but also reinforce a commitment to ensuring that all members of the academic community can thrive in a setting free from bias and exclusion.
We look forward to your leadership in addressing this important issue and demonstrating that [University Name] stands firmly against antisemitism and for academic freedom.
Sincerely,
[Insert name(s)]