During a recent visit to the University of Haifa, Pitzer College president Melvin Oliver described it as “really a model institution for us to partner with and I hope we can continue for years to come.” In contrast, a clear majority of the Pitzer College community did not think Haifa University was a “model institution” because of its ongoing policies discriminating against Palestinian students. The Pitzer College Council voted 67-28 to temporarily suspend the study abroad program with the Israeli institution.

Without assurances that the program with Haifa University would repeal its discriminatory policies and respect human rights, the Pitzer Council chose to sever ties with an institution that contradicts the values of the college and undermines academic freedom principles.

The overwhelming majority of faculty, students, and staff at Pitzer have unequivocally stated that they are unwilling to sanction discrimination based on race, nationality, religion, or difference of opinion. They have elected to pressure the University of Haifa and, by extension, other Israeli universities, to demand changes in Israel’s national policy. Suspending the Pitzer College study abroad program with Haifa University is the most effective and civil way to accomplish this.