In light of the protests against Israeli universities, Sciences Po University in Paris has refused to form a working group to review its relations with Israeli institutions. The interim director, Jean Basseres, addressed reporters after a town hall meeting with students and staff where the decision was made. Last week, students had called off their protests over the conflict between Israel and Hamas on the condition of a town hall meeting. Many students asked for the university to completely sever ties with Israel, but Basseres emphasized the importance of showing responsibility and allowing exams to proceed as planned.
The university would focus on organizing internal debates on important topics rather than forming a specific working group as requested by the protesters. Arancha Gonzalez, the head of Science Po’s School of International Affairs, stated that the university already has procedures in place to review partnerships. The protests that have spread throughout France, with universities like Sciences Po Paris and Lille’s journalism school being blocked or occupied, were inspired by similar rallies in the United States against the conflict.
Despite these protests in France and across Europe, they have not reached the same level as those in the United States. On Monday, French police intervened to clear out protesters who had set up tents in the courtyard of Sorbonne University in Paris. It is believed that ties between universities should be among the last to be severed according to Gonzalez. The discussion on how best to handle this situation at Sciences Po University will continue with an emphasis on internal debates and responsible actions from all parties involved.
