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Title: Campus Disruptions of Israelis' Speeches Criticized Publication: Inside Higher Ed |
Published Date: February 10, 2010 |
The Anti-Defamation League on Tuesday issued a statement denouncing Monday night's disruptions at the University of California at Irvine of a speech by Israel's ambassador and suggested that a pattern was emerging of "undemocratic, bullying, confrontational tactics" to block Israeli views from being heard. At Irvine, students were arrested for repeatedly interrupting the ambassador's talk. Michael Drake, Irvine's chancellor, on Tuesday issued a statement on the disruptions, which he called "intolerable." Drake said: "Freedom of speech is among the most fundamental, and among the most cherished of the bedrock values our nation is built upon. A great university depends on the free exchange of ideas. This is non-negotiable. Those who attempt to suppress the rights of others violate core principles that are the foundation of any learning community. We cannot and do not allow such behavior."
The ADL statement also cited a recent incident at the University of California at Los Angeles in which students stood up during a talk by an Israeli to block others from seeing the speaker. The students left after being told that they could be arrested if they continued to disrupt the event. A UCLA spokesman said that police did not think those involved were students. "Our long-standing position is that UCLA strives to promote free speech and open debate in an environment of civility and respect toward those may hold opposing viewpoints," the spokesman said.