If you would like to learn more about the BDS movement and why it's a viable strategy against colonialism and oppression, follow this link.

In 2013, Colby College and then President "Bro" Adams decided to reject a boycott of Israeli Academic Institutions that organizations like the Association for Asian American Studies and American Studies Association had joined. The boycott was in response to requests from the Palestinian people and academics who were seeking support from various organizations around the world. Colby's official stance was that it did not want to participate because of concerns of stifling academic freedom, but its non-action has contributed to the violent suppression and denial of the Palestinian people's academic freedom, and freedom to exist. As Israel continues to commit genocidal acts against the Palestinian people, and continues its aggression through ethnic cleansing and its apartheid rule, Colby must reconsider its stance on the issue and join the ASA and AASA in boycotting Israeli Academic Institutions. The ASA's boycott is detailed here, and their approved resolution can be found here. In order to fully support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanction movement, here is a short list of things Colby should do, which have been pulled from both the ASA's own initiatives, and the BDS movement itself:

1) Investigate its funding streams and partner organizations and divest from any who are listed on the BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) guide, which can be found here.

2) Publicly state its intention to reconsider the rejection of the boycott movement, and call for other American academic institutions to do the same. 

3) Look to Palestinian activists and organizers with the BDS movement to find ways to support the movement financially or in other ways. 

4) Commit to bringing Palestinian voices to campus through its various fellowship and academic programs, such as the Oak Institute, Artist in Residence program, etc. 

5) Examine the ways that the institution as a whole contributes to carceral systems and violence globally, and commit to changing institutional policies and creating programs that support those who have been affected by such violence, both domestically and abroad. This goes hand in hand with the petition created by students a year ago in which they demanded Colby confront its role in white supremacy.

Colby has a chance to right a wrong, expose its failings, and take steps towards correcting them. Now is not the time to remain "neutral" when over the last year it has become crystal clear (though it always has been) that inaction in the face of oppression is choosing violence. President Greene must keep his word and commit Colby to challenging these systems of oppression.