I am deeply concerned about a course being taught by Professor Gregg Gardner at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The course, AMNE 395/595, focuses on excavations and archaeological field work in Israel. However, it completely overlooks the plight of the Palestinian people, endorses colonization, and overlooks genocide. This is particularly evident in its treatment of "Horvat Midras" on Khirbet Idruseyyeh, which was violently destroyed in 1948.

This course not only disregards historical atrocities but also perpetuates a narrative that erases the experiences of marginalized communities. It is essential to remember that over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced during the Nakba in 1948 (source: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees). Their stories deserve to be heard and acknowledged.

The university should be a place where students are encouraged to critically examine all aspects of history, including those that are uncomfortable or controversial. By offering this course without addressing these issues, UBC is failing its students and contributing to an ongoing cycle of ignorance.

We urge UBC to reconsider its curriculum for this course or halt it entirely until it can provide a more balanced perspective on this complex issue. Please sign this petition if you believe in promoting accurate education that respects all narratives.

Disclaimer: Image used for the course was taken from the UBC wesbite and edited with an image of the Nakba overlayed on top. The petition abides by Fair Use of using copyrighted material without a license for the purposes of commentary; criticism; reporting; research; teaching.

The petition resolves that engagement with the topic of UBC courses on Israel/Palestine is valid of recognition on websites and online materials. To do otherwise would be a breech of academic freedom and the university’s policies on this matter.