Second time round for boycott debate
As the Association of University Teachers prepares to reopen its debate on a boycott of Israeli universities, Polly Curtis looks at the politics behind the move
Thursday May 5, 2005
Hindsight is a precious thing, and something that members of the Association of University Teachers have been granted. Last night the union announced that an emergency conference would be held on May 26 to reopen the debate about the boycott of two Israeli universities.
The union voted to boycott Bar Ilans and Haifa universities at its annual conference in Eastbourne two weeks ago, putting it in the eye of an international storm.
This time round, though, when the issue is debated every member of the AUT's council will know exactly how strong international opinion is against the boycott. Despite a solid support base in favour of the boycott, the union has been under sustained attacked for the decision.
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It's a pity it took sustained international outrage to make them have a real debate about the boycott, but better late than never.
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