Glasgow University retreats over ‘antisemitic’ label for journal article
JVL Introduction
“Sometimes,” in the words of poet Sheenagh Pugh, ” things don’t go, after all, from bad to worse.”
Such is the case with Glasgow University in relation to a peer-reviewed article in its online eSharp journal.
In a capitulation to external pressure, the University had proposed labeling one of its articles as propounding an “unfounded antisemitic theory”.
In a significant climbdown it now proposes merely saying that the article contains “what some would regard as an unfounded theory” about Israel.
It’s better than it was!
But until Glasgow sticks a preface in front of every peer-reviewed article saying they might contain theories that other academics regard as unfounded the Glasgow University action falls far short of any academic freedom criterion you might care to elaborate.
Or it could simply not have a qualificatory preface at all. As is the norm with academic publications where it is assumed the author is making an argument that others might contest (It is called academic writing.)
This article was originally published by The Guardian on Wed 10 Nov 2021. Read the original here.
Glasgow University retreats over ‘antisemitic’ label for journal article
Preface apology for paper on pro-Israel advocacy removed after free speech petition involving Noam Chomsky
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Collier fails to either deny or verify whether or not he and “those like him” are “fifth columnists” but alleges that the mere suggestion of this is “an antisemitic trope” This comment plainly reveals Colliers indefensible assumption that ANY accusation against Israel is “an antisemitic trope.” Collier clearly implies that Israel and those affiliated to Israel must be above criticism. But how can a statement be antisemitic if it is true?
Oh dear, oh dear. What a load of old cobblers from a seat of learning.
It is obvious that a foreign government is persistently interfering in British affairs for its own advantage. The usual suspects, which the establishment media regularly freaks out over, are unlikely to be the perpetrators here. At which the British establishment thinks it fair and right to see no evil in this.
The pro-Zionist lobby will never be satisfied so no point in appeasing them. Disgraceful that a university should seek to restrict debate on any issue. They would have tortured Copernicus
In a strange twist, I went on from the quoted JC article to another which seemed more credibly reported in that it was an account of MPs drunk on a plane. Old farts like me may dimly recall an incident of some famous Labour MPs who were reported as being unsteady on an official trip, who collected substantial damages for defamation from the newspaper at the time and who long afterwards boasted of how they were really as drunk as lords. Such honesty and candidness are long time Labour values.
I haven’t read the original article which, according to the Guardian, says that “an Israeli state-sponsored strategy focused on controlling public opinion in the UK” and that Israel sought to “harness the resources of grassroots Zionist supporters” to bolster British government support for Israel, and to “discredit and neutralise pro-Palestinian discourses”.
Surely this is a statement of the obvious and could pertain to just about any state’s PR efforts. In Australia the emphasis has been on this phenomenon as organised by the Chinese state. Kenan Malik, in a number of books, has variously described similar activities organised by the Saudis and by Iran.
It cannot be that accusing the Chinese of trying to influence public opinion in Australia is OK but accusing Israel of the same is an antisemitic “trope”.
A glimmer of light. Now let’s get Miller reinstated or employed by another university.
A ‘trope’ has become a very fashionable word applicable to………….? Is this cultural appropriation of language?
It was the academic equivalent of printing a warning about hot liquids on a cup of coffee. They may as well have put “warning this paper contains opinions”
It is a sad day when one very devious & manipulating State that Oppresses thousands of people & steals their freedoms & lands since 1948, has spread its toxic lies & propagandas into the Halls of learning!
Shame on all Universities everywhere for bowing down to such an obscenity as blackmail & threats!
Students learn from many sources, some are unsavoury but it is essential to read, hear, see from all sides to get the clear picture of any subject even the aborrent ones!
All Universities , ALL, must stop the interference of places like Israel.
Israel has an agenda that holds no Human Rights, no humanity, compassion or tolerance of anyone except Zionists. Illegal settlers come from the US , again with Universities gagged by Israel. It has to stop , universal learning is not Zionists business & it should remain free from violent, threatening , blackmail from Israel. Thank goodess we have Chomsky, Finkelstein all those who stand for learning freedom etcetc.