Middle East scholars pass resolution endorsing boycott of Israel

An international academic organization devoted to study of the Arab world and Israel has voted to endorse boycotting Israel.

Members of the Middle East Studies Association voted 768-167 in favor of a resolution “endorsing the Palestinian call for solidarity in the form of boycotts, divestment and sanctions,” known as BDS.

The resolution also calls for an “academic boycott” of Israeli institutions, including universities — a term that BDS proponents typically define as severing all formal ties with the institutions.

But the association says it will not target individual students or scholars, that Israeli scholars will still be eligible for membership, and that each individual member of the group has the right to refrain from participating in the boycott.

“Our members have cast a clear vote to answer the call for solidarity from Palestinian scholars and students experiencing violations of their right to education and other human rights,” the group’s president, Eve Troutt Powell, said in a statement.

“MESA’s Board will work to honor the will of its members and ensure that the call for an academic boycott is upheld without undermining our commitment to the free exchange of ideas and scholarship.”

Of those voting on the resolution, 80% backed it, according to the group. Now, the group’s board of directors are tasked with finding ways to “give effect to the spirit and intent of this resolution,” the resolution says.