NYU Opposes Boycott of Pro-Israel Campus Groups

TEL AVIV – New York University states that it opposes the decision by 51 campus organizations to boycott pro-Israel groups.

“The University opposes any kind of boycott or official refusal by some student groups to interact with other student groups because of differing points of view. It is at odds with our traditions and values, especially our core belief in the free exchange of ideas,” university spokesman John Beckman said in a statement on Monday.

The statement came in response to a resolution signed by 51 student organizations that pledged not to co-sponsor any events with two campus Israel advocacy groups, Realize Israel and TorchPAC. The resolution was presented by anti-Israel groups Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine. It also resolved not to sponsor events with eight off-campus groups, including Birthright-Taglit, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Anti-Defamation League.

In addition, the groups came out in support of  the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and vowed to adhere to a general boycott of Israel.

Its signatories included groups such as the African Student Union, the Black Students Union, College Libertarians, the Mexican Student Association and the Muslim Students Association.

Beckman said NYU encourages dialogue between groups who hold opposing views.

“We would suggest that student groups proposing the boycott to find a pathway forward to engage in constructive dialogue. The University, as always, stands ready to facilitate this,” he said.