Channels

Academic freedom. Torbjørn Digernes

Norwegian university will not impose academic boycott of Israel

Board of trustees at second largest university in Norway decides against academic boycott. Board Chairwoman: 'I don't think boycott will help, but will allow it to be openly discussed'

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the second largest university in the Scandinavian country, decided on Thursday not to impose an academic boycott on Israel, the university spokesman told Ynet.

 

The university rector, Torbjørn Digernes told Ynet that "according to my recommendation, the university's board of trustees decided unanimously not to impose the boycott on Israel.

 

"My world view is that universities should have academic freedom of action and need to offer a setting where varying opinions can be discussed and presented. To block a certain side does not fit with this view," he added. 

 

So can academic institutions in Israel breath a sigh of relief?

 

 "I decided not to present a political opinion, which will surely block the discussion of the topic, but it is clear that in Norway there are two sides to the coin, and very strong emotions on both sides," Digernes said in response.

 

"Studies show that the Norwegian people's attitude toward Israel's policies is becoming more and more skeptical. The norweigan people belive Israel less than in the past. Undoubtfully, recent events in the region have made these feelings stronger," he added.

 

"I am aware that this long lasting conflict will not be solved easily, and that people have been trying unsuccessfully to find a solution for this complex mater," Digernes said, adding that "I have personally been in managerial positions for many years, and have learned to listen to my critics, and improve based on their comments. I hope this is a good advice for both sides in the conflict."

 

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yossi Levy said in response to the decision that "the foreign ministry is pleased with the university's decision and is praising the speedy actions made by the university's management to salvage the academic institution's honorability.

 

"The road to tolerance and cultural dialogue is not paved with boycotts and exclusions, and it would be best for the students at this university to learn this lesson well," Levy added.

 

Chairwoman of the board of directors at NTNU Merritt Arnstadt told Ynet last week that she objects the boycott. "I don't think a boycott will help, but although I personally object the idea, I will allow it to be openly discussed. Free discussion is a positive thing in academia and I see no reason to prevent it," she said.

 

According to Arnstadt, this is not the first time the university has proposed impose an academic boycott on a country: "The idea was discussed in the 80's against the Apartheid in South Africa, but the finally it was decided not to impose the boycott. I believe a similar outcome is to be expected this time."

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.12.09, 17:47
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment