[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 21396]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       MISGUIDED BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL IS ATTACK ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM

  (Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on November 20, at its annual business 
meeting, members of the American Anthropological Association voted in 
favor of a disgraceful resolution to boycott Israeli academic 
institutions.
  By definition, a boycott hinders study and research. It is deplorable 
to see leaders in America's institution of higher education support 
this stifling of academic discussion. Their actions are contradictory 
to the fundamental principles of academic freedom and the free exchange 
of ideas that they claim to promote.
  While the supporters of this boycott claim to be standing up for the 
rights of Palestinians, what they are actually doing is presenting a 
one-sided and inaccurate representation of reality in Israel and 
ignoring Palestinian violence. The simple truth is that, throughout 
history, Israel has made numerous concessions in the pursuit of peace 
while seeking only the right to exist.
  Anthropology teaches respect for cultural differences, but it is 
clear that some in academia didn't learn that lesson. Let's hope a 
majority of the members of the American Anthropological Association 
take time to understand the implications of this shameful resolution 
and vote ``no'' when it is put to a vote before the organization's full 
membership in April.

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