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Academic freedom in crisis? Boycotting Israeli universities

Thursday November 14, 2024 13:00 - 13:25 CET Rosa scenen

Moderator: Christina Boger
Panelists: Håkan Thörn, Max Popovski, Taha Khatab

With the escalation of genocide committed by Israel against Palestinians over one year ago, demands for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) of Israel echoed around the world. University students and staff of universities directed their attention to their institutions, asking them to cut ties with Israeli universities, who are deeply entangled in the Israeli military complex, as Maya Wind has impressively documented in her book “Towers of Ivory and Steel” published this year. This seminar engages with the role of academic freedom which became a key concern for both pro- and opponents of BDS at Swedish universities. Can BDS strengthen academic freedom? Whose academic freedom are we talking about? And what is the historical, legal and ethical basis for academic freedom in Sweden? In this short seminar, the three panelists, who are affiliated with the University of Gothenburg, will address these and other fundamental questions in relation to the role of BDS and academic freedom, based on their experience and expertise.

Organizer

Göteborgs universitet

Ämne

Demokratisk omställning
Minoriteter

Målgrupp

Civilsamhälle
Intresserad allmänhet

Språk

English

Programform

Miniseminarium (25 min)
Nivå: Grund

Lecturers

Christina Boger Moderator

Doctoral student in peace and development research, University of Gothenburg

Håkan Thörn Panelist

Professor of sociology, University of Gothenburg

Max Popovski Panelist

Master student in sociology, University of Gothenburg; GU students for Palestine

Taha Khatab Panelist

Master student in social work and human rights, University of Gothenburg; GU students for Palestine