Logo of the University of Bergen
Rector Sigmund Grønmo of Bergen University was recently quoted in the media for having said that the was “open” for a debate on boycotting Israel. He was criticized by some and supported by others. Now he writes on the University Website that:
I was invited as a speaker at the meeting in the Student Society. Some media have presented a very biased and misleading description of my views and comments. I have summarized my real views on the university’s website. Here I would like to emphasize:
The debate was not initated by me. The invitation to the Student Society is the only reason why I have commented on the issue of academic boycott now.
The debate dealt with two topics, not only the specific issue regarding academic boycott of Israel, but also more general reflections on academic boycott as a form of action. As far as the issue of academic boycott of Israel is concerned, I have stated, both at the meeting and afterwards, that this not on the agenda as a policy at the University of Bergen. At the University of Bergen there are no plans for an academic boycott of Israel.
Rector Grønmo states that articles claiming he is advocating a boycott of Israel are misleading and not true. He hopes readers of these articles will be informed about his opinions and that any misunderstandings will be corrected.
But what about Bir Zeit?
So as of now there are no plans for a boycott of Israel at the University of Bergen. We do however need to look into the matter of the University of Bergen’s cooperation with Bir Zeit, which has disseminated erroneous and damaging information in the past.
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