Dear Academic Freedom Supporter
We are writing to you regarding a serious threat to academic freedom and the integrity of higher education at the University of Cape Town (UCT). As UCT is currently electing four new council members, it is crucial that we exercise our right to vote to ensure the council composition reflects the values of open discourse, inclusivity, and academic integrity. The four alumni candidates running for the UCT Council who can help restore stability and support the university's commitment to academic excellence and freedom are: David Ansara, Think Tank Director; Mark Oppenheimer, Advocate; Kelly Phelps, Legal Academic; and Brian Kantor, Professor Emeritus.
The UCT Senate last week adopted anti-Israel resolutions that not only undermine the principles of open discourse and intellectual inquiry but also jeopardise the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus.
The first resolution, titled "Resolution on the destruction of scholarship and education in Gaza," while ostensibly addressing the situation in Gaza, is ultimately a means to undermine Israel, Jews and Zionists. This is a dangerous precedent that could lead to the suppression of legitimate discourse and the marginalisation of Jewish voices on campus.
Moreover, the rejection of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in favour of the Jerusalem Declaration's "dynamic understanding" raises alarm bells. The IHRA definition is widely accepted and provides a clear framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism, while the "Jerusalem Declaration" is a disingenuous document written by BDS supporters in order to legitimise antisemites to express their hate for Israel and the Jewish People.
The second resolution, prohibiting UCT academics from collaborating with any research group affiliated with the Israeli Defense Forces or the broader Israeli military establishment, is a blatant violation of academic freedom. This resolution effectively bars UCT from engaging with a significant portion of the Israeli academic community, which could have severe consequences for the university's research endeavours and international standing.
By adopting these resolutions, the UCT Senate is not only limiting the academic freedom of its faculty but also potentially endangering the safety and security of Jewish students on campus. Such actions could foster an environment where Jewish students feel ostracised and targeted, undermining the principles of inclusivity and diversity that should be at the core of any institution of higher learning.
Furthermore, if the UCT Council adopts these resolutions, the university could face significant reputational and financial damage. Potential collaborations with Israeli institutions and researchers could be jeopardised, and UCT's standing in the global academic community could be severely tarnished. This could have far-reaching consequences, including the loss of funding opportunities, international partnerships, and the ability to attract top-tier students and faculty.
We urge you to take action and voice your concerns about these resolutions. Please write to UCT and express your opposition to these measures, highlighting the detrimental impact they could have on academic freedom, the safety of Jewish students, and the university's reputation and financial well-being. Additionally, please exercise your vote and support the candidates mentioned above, who will uphold UCT's commitment to academic excellence and freedom.
Together, we can safeguard the principles that have made UCT a respected institution of higher learning and ensure that it remains an institution of intellectual freedom and diversity.
Sincerely
Concerned Citizens for Academic Freedom at UCT.