​​AGSU Statement on Support of Palestinian Solidarity and Membership Call in Support of BDS

The Executive Committee of the Anthropology Graduate Student Union (AGSU) at the University of Toronto extends our heartfelt condolences for the lives lost and the lasting trauma inflicted by the war in Gaza. We acknowledge the profound impact this war has had on our community and communities worldwide. The AGSU Executive remains steadfast in its commitment to stand by Palestinians and their supporters, advocating for their right to sovereignty, self-determination, and an end to the tragic loss of civilian lives. Furthermore, the AGSU Executive unequivocally supports both Jewish and Muslim students who, amidst a concerning surge in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic rhetoric and attacks worldwide, express concern for their safety on campus. We stand in solidarity with these students, fostering an inclusive academic environment that denounces discrimination and promotes understanding.

At a recent AGSU General Meeting, the general membership voted in favour of the AGSU adopting a Boycott, Divest, and Sanction position.  As such, the AGSU Executive Committee will endorse and honour this call to boycott Israeli academic institutions that are complicit in violating Palestinian rights. This resolution follows the AAA’s Boycott Resolution implemented in July 2023. 

It is imperative to note that while a majority of AGSU Membership at the November 13, 2023, General Meeting voted in favour of refraining from formal collaborations with Israeli academic institutions, this does not extend to individual scholars and students affiliated with these institutions. The implementation of this boycott by the AGSU also does not limit individual AGSU members to determine whether or how they will apply the boycott in their professional practice. Additionally, the implementation of this boycott by individual scholars is not a requirement for AGSU membership or participation in AGSU meetings, events, or executive membership. 

Above all else, the AGSU Executive pledges to protect the rights of our members to academic freedom, free speech, and freedom from harassment and censorship. Along with this, the AGSU Executive will support the rights of all students and scholars in the department to engage in research and public speaking about Palestine and Israel, including discussions surrounding the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Additionally, the AGSU Executive will avoid, whenever possible, purchasing products from companies that are included on the BDS (https://bdsmovement.net/get-involved/what-to-boycott) list of companies to boycott for AGSU Events and supplies.