We, the undersigned, are members and friends of the Cornell University community who support peace, diversity, justice, and human rights, and strongly oppose the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (“BDS”) Movement.

We want to express our deep concern over Resolution 72 “Resolution Urging Cornell University to Divest from Companies Profiting from Israeli Occupation and Human Rights Violations” that is being discussed by the Student Assembly on Thursday, April 10, 2014.  This resolution is inaccurate and intentionally inflammatory in title and:

1. 1. Significantly hinders efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians,
2. 2. Undermines academic freedom and Cornell’s continued interest in collaboration with Israeli academic institutions such as the Technion,
3. 3. And delegitimizes and promotes misinformation about Israel.  

Perhaps, most importantly, this resolution, and the greater BDS movement, singles out the Jewish State, whose human rights record compares favorably to other democracies, while turning the world’s attention away from great injustices and human rights violations, including genocide.

We, proponents of peace and Cornellians against BDS, urge members of the Cornell Student Assembly to oppose this resolution, which punishes both Israelis and Palestinians, reinforces dangerous stereotypes that limit mutual understanding and cooperation, and divides the Cornell campus community.