The suspension by Sciences-Po Strasbourg of its partnership with the Israeli Reichman University, near Tel Aviv, is a “distressing decision”, reacted the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Thursday 31 October, interviewed on BFMTV /RMC.
“It is a distressing decision, which saddens me deeply,” the minister said of the announcement by the Strasbourg Institute for Political Studies to end its collaboration with Reichman University due to “aggressive positions” regarding the war in Gaza. The decision was made by the establishment last June, but was only made known on Wednesday 30 October from the regional newspaper The latest news from Alsace (DNA)
“The university is the place of debate, of tolerance”
“The university is the place of debate, of tolerance, it is the temple of critical thinking,” declared Jean-Noël Barrot. “It is not this university that is bombing today in Lebanon or Gaza. I remind you that it is in Israeli universities that we find the most fervent supporters of peace and the two-state solution,” he said.
“I deplore this decision taken with the aim of taking a political position by the board of directors of a public institution and in disagreement with the management of the institution”, commented the Minister (LR) of Higher Education and Research, Patrick Hetzel in a message published Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter).
In France, in 2024, a pro-Palestinian student movement developed in some higher education institutions and in particular in political studies institutions, leading to demonstrations and sometimes building occupations.
A motion presented by the Solidarit’Etudiants list
Patrick Hetzel had warned university presidents in early October about their responsibility to “maintain order” ahead of the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In return, rebel leader La France Jean -Luc Mélenchon had called for “putting Palestinian flags wherever possible”.
While condemning “unreservedly the terrorist attack suffered by the Israeli population on 7 October 2023”, the authors of the motion denounce the “positions of the university in question, profoundly aggressive and devoid of any humanist, pacifist and critical perspective in the face of the war situation underway in Gaza.
The motion was presented by the Solidarit’Etudiants list, which has 8 of the 10 student representation seats on the board of directors, and was also supported by some teachers. The director of the IEP, Jean-Philippe Heurtin, expressed to AFP his “strong hostility” towards this motion.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Science Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning! Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right into a timely subject — the recent suspension of the partnership between Sciences-Po Strasbourg and Israel’s Reichman University. The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, called this a “distressing decision.” How do you evaluate this development?
Political Science Expert: Good morning! This decision indeed carries significant ramifications. From a political and academic perspective, it raises questions about the role of universities as spaces for debate and dialogue, especially in the context of ongoing conflicts like the one in Gaza.
Time.news Editor: Barrot emphasized that universities should be places of tolerance and critical thinking rather than political battlegrounds. Do you think that’s a viable stance in today’s climate where education and politics are increasingly intertwined?
Political Science Expert: It’s certainly an ideal scenario where universities remain neutral forums for discussion. However, the reality is complex. Academic institutions are influenced by global socio-political dynamics, and their decisions often reflect broader societal sentiments. The move by Sciences-Po Strasbourg may be an attempt to take a stand on a contentious issue, which is understandable but contentious in itself.
Time.news Editor: The minister also pointed out that many Israeli universities actively support peace initiatives and the two-state solution, suggesting there’s a spectrum of perspectives within Israel itself. Does this complicate the narrative surrounding the partnership suspension?
Political Science Expert: Absolutely. The narrative often simplifies the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into neatly defined sides, overlooking the diversity of thought within both communities. Universities like Reichman are home to varying viewpoints, and distancing from them may inadvertently silence those advocating for dialogue and solutions.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting to note that Minister Patrick Hetzel criticized this decision for being politically charged. What implications does this have for French higher education, especially in 2024, with rising pro-Palestinian sentiments among students?
Political Science Expert: Hetzel’s critique highlights a tension in French academic policy — where does institutional independence end, and political positioning begin? As a pro-Palestinian sentiment grows among students, institutions may face increased pressure to take stands, potentially leading to a polarized academic environment. Navigating this delicate balance is crucial for the integrity of education.
Time.news Editor: In light of the rising tensions and mobilizations in higher education, what recommendations would you give to universities that wish to foster constructive dialogue without compromising their values?
Political Science Expert: Universities must establish clear frameworks for facilitating open debates, ensuring all voices are heard while maintaining a commitment to critical inquiry. It’s essential to promote interdisciplinary discussions that include historical, cultural, and political contexts. Moreover, fostering partnerships with institutions around the world can enrich perspectives and prevent isolationist tendencies.
Time.news Editor: That’s a thoughtful approach. As we look forward, how do you see the future of international academic partnerships being shaped by events like these?
Political Science Expert: The future of international partnerships will likely hinge on the willingness of institutions to navigate political complexities with nuance. As global interconnectivity increases, universities may need to adapt by fostering dialogue while upholding their commitment to education rather than becoming instruments of political discourse. Resilience, flexibility, and a commitment to dialogue will be key.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights! This topic will undoubtedly continue to evolve as the situation develops. We appreciate your time and expertise on this pressing issue.
Political Science Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these critical issues with you.