Sciences Po’s Interim Director Reveals Decision on Forming a Working Group to Evaluate Israeli Partnerships Amidst Campus Protests”.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Jean Basseres, interim director of Sciences Po in Paris, announced that the university would not form a working group to evaluate its relationships with Israeli universities. This decision came after a town hall meeting with students and staff, which was one of the conditions set by protesters last week to temporarily halt their protests over the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
During the meeting, many protesters advocated for the university to sever all ties with Israel. However, Basseres acknowledged that this decision could provoke further anger among demonstrators. He urged everyone to act responsibly and allow exams to proceed as scheduled. Despite the protests in France and other European countries, the scale of the demonstrations has not reached the same level as those in the United States.
Arancha Gonzalez, head of Sciences Po’s School of International Affairs, emphasized the importance of maintaining connections between universities and stressed that the university already has procedures in place to evaluate partnerships. The campus demonstrations have expanded from the United States to Europe, with students at various French universities like Sciences Po Paris and Sciences Po Lille engaging in blockades and occupations.
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing discussions and actions taking place on campuses in response to the conflict in the Middle East. Gonzalez urged students and staff to continue their engagement with international affairs and work towards peaceful solutions for conflicts.
In conclusion, while Sciences Po has declined protesters’ demands for a working group on Israeli relationships, it is essential to maintain connections between universities while evaluating partnerships fairly. The university plans to facilitate internal discussions on significant issues in the best possible manner while allowing exams to proceed as scheduled.
