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Statement from Anthropologists for Academic Freedom
Save Anthropology: A community of scholars, not political activists.
A Boycott of Israeli Anthropologists Violates Academic Freedom and Free Speech and Will Forever Discredit The American Anthropological Association…Don't Let it Happen!!!
A boycott means that the American Anthropological Association will be participating in an assault on the fundamental principles of open discourse, exchange of ideas, and free argumentation -- principles that lie at the very foundation of the academy. The AAA will be party to efforts to undermine the free flow of ideas and the free movement of scholars, in violation of the highest principles of the world-wide academy.
A boycott means that the American Anthropological Association will turn its back on the leading forces in Israel that are in opposition to current government actions and policies and are demonstrating and protesting to promote democracy and equality for Israelis, Palestinians, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrants from Eritrea, the Sudan and elsewhere. We should be engaging with them and supporting their struggle to promote human rights and social justice. What can be said about an organization that targets, abuses, and betrays its allies at their time of greatest need? Indeed, what sense does it make to boycott the academics of any country? They are often among the people most likely to criticize the repressive and anti-democratic policies of their governments, and as such they need the support of like-minded intellectuals throughout the world.
In addition to the principles behind our stance against this proposed boycott, we note that the AAA would pay a price for a boycott in the following ways:
The AAA will be subject to sanctions imposed by 35 states in the United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey, which have passed legislation, executive orders or resolutions against boycotts of Israel. This may preclude meetings and other activities in these States.
Large numbers of current members are likely to leave the AAA. Recall that many members voted against a boycott in 2016 and signed letters in opposition.
Further, many of the biggest donors and financial supporters of the Association and its subsections will withdraw their philanthropy, which will severely weaken the Association and its activities and ability to support scholars and students.
Please Join Us in Voting NO!
Melvin Konner, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor, Department of Anthropology, Emory University
Jill E. Korbin, Lucy Adams Leffingwell Professor Emeritus, Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University
Robert Lemelson, Adjunct Professor of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles
David M Rosen, Professor of Anthropology, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Richard A. Shweder, Harold Higgins Swift Distinguished Service Professor, Department of Comparative Human Development, University of Chicago
Contact: againstanthroboycott@gmail.com