Cognizant of complaints that other resolutions condemning anti-Semitism had been faulted for suppressing free speech, Indiana University-Bloomington’s student government passed a measure 22-6-6 Tuesday that tried to address those concerns.
The Indiana Daily Student reported the bill was “largely written” by a Jewish student who transferred from the South and is a fellow of the pro-Israel group StandWithUs:
The bill stated IUSA denounces anti-Semitism as defined by the United States State Department and will not fund or participate in activities that promote anti-Semitism or that “undermine the right of the Jewish people to self-determination.” It also says IUSA executives and Congress members will undergo some form of diversity training that pertains to anti-Semitism.
The revised version of the resolution distinguishes between the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement and those individuals who support it, saying the student government frowns upon “the political platform” of BDS. It also makes explicit that “political criticism of Israel” is allowed.
StandWithUs thanked the student government for “both upholding the 1st amendment, and taking a principled stand against anti-Semitism and the bigotry of BDS.” The approval shows the power of the Jewish campus community, it said:
StandWithUs applauds Hillel and Students Supporting Supporting Israel at Indiana University for their incredible efforts in advocating for this resolution. They exemplified how much Jewish students can achieve if they stand up for their rights, make their voices heard, and take a proactive approach to overcoming racism on campus.
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