Penn violated academic freedom by banning 'Israelism' film, Middle East Studies Association says
Ethan Young | 05 December 2023 | The Daily Pennsylvanian
The Middle East Studies Association expressed "dismay" with the University’s decision to deny progressive Jewish group Penn Chavurah's request to screen the documentary "Israelism," while also encouraging the Middle East Center director to resume his role.
The letter from MESA's Committee on Academic Freedom — sent to President Liz Magill, Provost John Jackson Jr., Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Jeffery Kalberg, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Steve Fluharty, and Vice Provost for University Life Karu Kozuma on Dec. 1 — called the ban of the "Israelism" screening “a disregard for your students’ constitutionally protected right of free speech and a violation of the principles of academic freedom.”
Nearly 100 community members attended a screening of “Israelism” — a film critical of Israel — last week in a room reserved by MEC. The University attempted to postpone the screening until February after discussions with the Division of Public Safety and administrators, a University spokesperson told The Daily Pennsylvanian….