Reaffirming its stance in solidarity with Palestine, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on Friday announced its decisive motion to immediately disengage from Israeli academic institutions.
This follows shortly after the University of Cape Town adopted two resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire and the rebuilding of academic institutions in Gaza.
Also read: UCT council adopts Gaza resolutions
According to the institution, the motion is endorsed by the UWC Council, Senate, Convocation and the Student Representative Council (SRC).
‘This motion underscores the University’s unwavering support for justice, human rights and rebuilding Palestinian higher education,’ UWC said in a statement.
‘It follows UWC’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to be allowed to the most dire areas affected by the conflict.’
As per the statement, the principles of the engagement are as follows:
(a) Academic disengagement:
- UWC will fully disengage from Israeli academic institutions, in line with The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) guidelines.
- Strengthening Academic ties: Initiatives to enhance connections with Palestinian scholars and students and support the rebuilding of higher education in Gaza.
- Investment Transparency: University management is tasked to disclose all UWC investments in Israeli products and companies
- Commitment to Divestment: A commitment to divest from any agreements which may have been considered in the past
- National advocacy: UWC will advocate at national level, particularly at Universities South Africa (USAF), for South African universities to adopt full academic disengagement from Israel.
(b) Engagement Caveat:
- Human Rights Criterion: Engagement with Israeli institutions will only occur if they support basic human rights through policy and actions.
(c) Palestinian partnership
- Establishing partnerships: UWC will seek to partner with a Palestinian university, emulating the model of the University of Missouri partnership established during apartheid.
The statement concluded by reiterating that the Convocation and Senate’s call for academic disengagement is a unified stand by the institution, fully supported by the Council and SRC, to support Palestine and advocate for justice and human rights.
Meanwhile, it was reported last month that a special sitting of the Stellenbosch University senate rejected a motion urging the institution to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The vote was 101 against 80, with 18 abstentions.
Subsequently, 92 senate members signed a statement expressing ‘deep dismay’ at the senate’s vote.
At the time of publication, Al Jazeera had reported that every university in Gaza had been damaged or destroyed and more than 90 professors killed by Israel’s bombardment.
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