The issue of academic boycotts was raised last year in the journal Political
Geography due to disagreement/debate over the inclusion of an article in that
volume by two Israeli-based geographers. The issue generated media coverage
(not all of it accurate it seems)
see:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4565796-103680,00.html
When the journal article ultimately appeared it was preceded by 'twin'
editorials from the co-editors John O'Loughlin and David Slater - Political
Geography 23 (6) 2004.
O'Loughlin states that the media coverage resulted in the drafting of an
editorial policy statement endorsed by the majority of the editorial board (2
people abstained) and confirming that it is not journal policy to refuse
manuscripts from Israel.
It appears Slater had initially declined to accept the article due to his
support for a boycott of Israeli institutions initiated by the scientist
Steven Rose. Slater appears to have subsequently modified his stance and in
his editorial he draws a distinction between Israeli institutions and
individual academics. Slater concludes his piece with the need to "challenge
the continuing transgression of academic freedom by states that fail to
comply with international law"
The Rose petition has generated considerable discussion about the
appropriateness of academic boycotts in general as well as attempts to
implement a specific boycott of Israel.
Such issues have led to trade union resolutions and statements (though
whether these have had any practical consequences is unclear)
http://www.tufp.org.uk/Unions/NATFHE/natfhe.html#12
http://www.aut.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=122
What do 'critical' geographers feel about these issues?
Dave
Dr. David Storey
Department of Applied Sciences, Geography and Archaeology
University College Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester WR2 6AJ
Tel: 01905 855189
Fax: 01905 855132
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