College of the Holy Cross Issues Statement on ASA Boycott of Israeli Academic Institutions

As a Catholic, Jesuit liberal arts college, Holy Cross is committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, learning and research. This pursuit requires a commitment to free and open dialog, an openness to new ideas, and a community marked by mutual respect and civility.

We fully support the right of individuals within the College community to make a principled decision to support or oppose a boycott, such as that recently proposed by the American Studies Association. As a Jesuit institution pledged to support the promotion of justice we recognize the concerns for justice expressed by members of the ASA. We believe, however, that academic boycotts necessarily diminish our ability to engage in fruitful dialog that would more effectively promote human rights and academic freedom across the world, including among the Palestinian people. Thus, we stand opposed to the ASA boycott of Israeli universities, as we would any academic boycott.

Philip L. Boroughs, S.J. President

Margaret N. Freije Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College