In light of the ASA boycott of Israel, Senior Campus Coordinator at CAMERA Samantha Mandeles wrote a letter asking the president of her alma mater, Hampshire College, to condemn the ASA resolution.
My name is Samantha Rose Mandeles, F’06. As a proud Hampshire alumna, I am appalled that the American Studies Association recently voted to boycott Israel’s (and only Israel’s) academic institutions. I am equally appalled that a Hampshire professor, Margaret Cerullo, has signed her name to this assault on academic freedom.
I remember the relief and pride I felt as a Hampshire student when President Hexter and Sigmund Roos clearly stated that Hampshire did not and would not divest from Israel.
I urge you to follow this example, and the example of the many universities who have rejected the ASA boycott. I urge you to ensure that Hampshire continues to live up to the standards that make it a safe, wonderful place to learn for students of all nationalities and religions, and reject this boycott as a bigoted political tool designed to do nothing but marginalize the world’s only Jewish State.
I would expect no less from my alma mater.
Kindest regards,
Samantha R. Mandeles
The Response:
Warm regards and happy new year,
Joanna
Joanna L. Olin Chief of Staff Office of the President