Students for a Free Palestine Respond to False Accusations of Anti-Semitism
On January 3, 2016, a group of Oberlin alumni published an open letter
accusing Students for a Free Palestine (SFP) and the Boycott,
Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement of anti-semitism. In it, they
called for an administrative response, specifically asking for an
investigation of SFP, a forum for students to share experiences of
alleged coercion by BDS proponents, and a task force to implement a plan
to address their concerns.
The Campus Code of Conduct recognizes
that “proscriptions of verbal harassment must not have the effect of
limiting the free exchange of ideas or opinions.” In calling our
criticisms intimidation tactics and hate speech, however, those who
accuse us endanger earnest debate on the ways in which we are complicit
in the oppression of Palestinian people. If Oberlin is to uphold values
of intellectual freedom and social engagement, it cannot implement the
proposals in the letter.
