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Sunday Feb 22, 2009
Double Standard Watch: Dear President Hexter of Hampshire College
Posted by Alan Dershowitz
Comments: 44
    
Dear President Hexter I appreciate your note and your efforts to clarify the actions of Hampshire. The reality, however, is that the media and much of the world believes that Hampshire has become the first college to divest from Israel. This perception is being used by enemies of Israel to get other universities to divest. I am deeply committed to seeing that bigoted effort fail. Neither Hampshire nor you, nor Mr. Roos has done enough to make it clear that you rejected the SJP's campaign to divest from Israel.
I can understand why you may not want to offend the majority of the student body and a significant number of faculty who support divestment from Israel, but you must do so if you do not want them to continue to be able to claim victory. So long as they can plausibly do so, there is a danger that other universities may follow suit. The proponents of the divestment must be seen by others to have lost - to have had their petition decisively rejected. When I spoke to Mr. Roos I predicted that the clarification would fail, even backfire. You asked for my help but rejected my advice. I would still like to work with you to resolve this zero-sum conflict. I suggest the following steps:
If you take these actions it would be my honor to make a very public contribution to Hampshire to promote dialogue with regard to the Mideast. I hope you will take seriously my efforts to work with you. If you decide to issue these statements, I would be happy to work with you on the language so as to avoid a recurrence of the failure of the prior clarification. I am confident we can resolve this if you are willing to say forthrightly in public what you have so eloquently said and written in private to me and others.
2 |
Eve,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
As someone who is an alum of the college, I'd like to say quite clearly that I would rather Hampshire not receive your donation. Your tactics of blackmail are disgusting.
3 |
Iklienman,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
Again, you insist in collective punishment as a way to prevent the cancer from spreading.
It will only make the cancer spread more aggressively.
Instead, engage the bigots in public debates and make your case!
4 |
Softwalker, Canada,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
We shouldn't hold our collective breath waiting for Ralph Hexter to do the right thing.
Like many other university presidents, he's skilled at speaking out of both sides of his mouth. It's a lucrative practice, allowing for the appeasement of Israel-bashing students and faculty while at the same time collecting donations from Jewish donors.
Mr.Dershowitz, thanks all the same for calling his game for what it is.
5 |
Hampshire Parent NY,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
The Hampshire campus climate - including many faculty - is hostile to students who support Israel. As the mother and friend of Hampshire students, I have seen first hand that students who do not characterize Israel as a "colonialist power" are harassed, intimidated and afraid to speak out. Even the students who "identify" by going to Shabbat dinners are also members of Students for Justice in Palestine - the group that pressured H. College to disinvest. The administration strongly supports their politics & only gives lip service to, but does not support, truly diverse viewpoints or dialog.
6 |
p s kahn,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
I agree with Mr. D. on many points he has made regarding Israel, but here I see him publicly pressuring (some would say "blackmailing") Hampshire College into doing what he bids -- or else! Not much different from what he accuses others of doing,. I strongly object to any kind of boycott of Israel or Israelis (such as the filthy one proposed a few years ago for Israeli academics in the UK), so on that matter there is complete harmony of views. But I wonder if Mr. D. has not, in his haste, unfairly smeared the Colege's reputation.
7 |
Stan R. Canada,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
I am with interest watching the public battle between Alan Dershowitz and Hampshire College. Both parties are able to extract important essence of opposite side statements and try to counterattack. Well Hampshire, i am waiting for your response.
8 |
Gabriel, Dallas, TX, USA,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
Let's see now if the college can still hide behind nice meaningless words. Alan, as usual you are bringing necessary clarity to this issue.
9 |
warren scottsdale arizona,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
Professor Dershowitz has layed ou the case why Hampshire college must take concrete action if we are to believe that they have not divested from Israel. It is important for President Hexter to state unequivocably that iHamspshire's actions had nothing to do with Israeli divestment. In good faith I applaud the recommendations of Professor Dershowitz which would end this misconception.
10 |
Chaim, New York,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
Dear President Hexter. I appreciate your effort to reply to prof. Dershowitz, but it seems that you are a bit out of touch with the real world. Indeed, only very few people, and only rabid right-wingers, take prof. Dershovitz seriously anymore, and has become an embarrassment for the Jewish people. As you can see from his totally unsubstantiated attacks on your college, he always misses the target. Therefor, dear President, do not waste your time in responding to his phony accusations. Sincerely, Chaim L.
11 |
Joshua, Jersey City, NJ,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
You are really overreacting here, or maybe just trying to save face. Hampshire made clear that they are not divesting from Israel, and there is no reason to assume it is lying. Now move on.
12 |
paul shapera hartford, ct,
Sunday Feb 22, 2009
Dear Professor Dershowitz:
Thank you for your opposition to Hampshire College's disgraceful divestment policy against Israel.
Until Mr. Hexler meets your conditions, I will urge the Connecticut Bar Association and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association NOT to interview nor hire as attorneys any applicants who attended Hampshire College as an undergraduate.
Sincerely,
Paul
Attorney at Law
13 |
Jon Haber, Boston,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Is Hampshire about to invest in Israeli bonds? (A parody):
[ Link to page ]
14 |
Jenny in Ann Arbor, MI,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
I'm also a Hampshire mom and want to echo the sentiments expressed above. The atmosphere at Hampshire around this issue (and unfortunately others as well) stifles debate and silences all dissent. have seen myself how SJP bullies and intimidates, calling anyone with alternative viewpoints "repulsive," "racist," "oppressors," "genocidal," etc. I am gravely concerned that Hampshire fails to educate students to consider opposing viewpoints respectfully and to keep complex issues complex and polyvocal. Where is the faculty leadership? These are core issues for a liberal arts education.
15 |
Jerry, West Hempstead, NY,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Those opposed to Prof. Dershowitz' insistence on public pronouncements from Hampshire must carefully weigh against it the raucous and dishonest efforts of those who sought the divestment from Israel in the first place. If Hampshire did not divest, then the fabrications of those claiming it did so requires public recantation. Otherwise, we shall have to presume that any argument at Hampshire may be carried without references to the facts of the matter, supported only by emotion or perhaps violence.
16 |
Jerry, West Hempstead, NY,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Those opposed to Prof. Dershowitz' insistence on public pronouncements from Hampshire must carefully weigh against it the raucous and dishonest efforts of those who sought the divestment from Israel in the first place. If Hampshire did not divest, then the fabrications of those claiming it did so requires public recantation. Otherwise, we shall have to presume that any argument at Hampshire may be carried without references to the facts of the matter, supported only by emotion or perhaps violence.
17 |
Mark Zamcheck,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Mr. Dershowitz, enough is enough. I applauded your initial invocation to Hampshire to reveal the truth behind its "reinvestment" decisions, and explicitly demonstrate that it had not divested in Israel. Many in the Hampshire community needed this clarification. The open letter delivered that, and much more - revealing an institution of rare intellect, deep commitment to global responsibility, and a mission to provide a class of graduates unmatched in their capacity to handle the complexities of the world they will inherit. Stop punishing the victim - defend them.
18 |
dkz,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
I agree that President Hexter must be clear in stating to the MEDIA and to the student body that SJP didn't win their conditions. Clearly from the party that they had on campus to celebrate their victory they do not understand this. It is great that this turmoil caused Hampshire to update its socially responsible investing criteria. I shudder to think that Hampshire College will be known for promoting or connecting with anti-Israeli sentiments. Cool academic thinking and logical analytical words are not enough to alleviate the situationthat unfolded. Hampshire must do something bold and dramatic
19 |
Roz Cambridge,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Alan thanks for shining the bright light of truth on Hampshire's appalling decision --a hateful ,racist one,at that. Americans vote with their pocketbooks. Saying "no"
With our dollars is the moral choice--send the message that Hampshire needs to hear.
20 |
Daniel, San Francisco,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Paul Shapera: Your tactic is disgusting. To not hire someone just because they attended Hampshire College? You are not behaving like a mensch. I happen to be a graduate of Hampshire College, Jewish, and actually very supportive of Israel. I don't think you have to worry about Hampshire students wanting to work for someone like you. You should be ashamed of yourself. I very much doubt that your mother would be very proud of you making such a comment. As for Professor Dershowitz: I happen to be satisfied with Hampshire's response, and its desire to promote meaningful dialogue. But blackmail?!
21 |
Daniel, San Francisco,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Prof. Dershowitz, you are partly to blame for reason "the media and much of the world believes that Hampshire has become the first college to divest from Israel." Come on, man. Why do you feel the need to have the last word? Quit while you're ahead. Hampshire did the right thing. To point 1: They publicly stated that they continue to have investments in Israel (they divested from an entire fund, not specific companies), so what's the point of buying stock in those 2 companies- just symbolic? Point 2: Hampshire doesn't reject, it engages in productive dialogue. Point 3: They already did that.
22 |
vivian green,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
bravo dr. dershowitz. for your brilliance. for your ability to see lies shrouded in "empty explanation". for your ability to see lies shrouded in half truths.
23 |
John Q. Public, Bangkok, Thailand,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
I concur with the comments of Dr. Dershowitz. He is offerring a fair way to resolve this matter. The question is whether the Administration at Hampshire is capable of doing the right thing.
24 |
Ted, California,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
As I read President Hexler explanatory note, Hampshire College was not even curious about the components of the fund until the pro-Palestinian group demanded it. Unless and until the college examinnes all of its holdings for the same criteria -- making sure that those criteria include companies that work with regimes sympathetic to terrorism in the Middle East -- Mr. Hexler's explanations sound hollow. Just as hollow as the comments of Mr. Dershowitz' detractors who sympathize with the SJP position and are more than ready to accept any college denial, no matter how lame.
25 |
Gábor Fränkl Budapest, Hungary,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Daniel , point 2. and 3. - Could you please enlighten us, where is real, tangible evidence of that? In your imagination, perhaps?
26 |
Gábor Fränkl Budapest, Hungary,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Paul Shapera from Hartford, Connecticut - I support you 1000 - one thousand - percent, Sir!
27 |
Mark Zamcheck - Massachusetts,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Paul Shapera's vile and uninformed invective demonstates a social racism that cannot be tolerated by
the Connecticut Bar Association or the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.
I urge both of these institutions to review his qualifications to practice law in your state in light of the clear employment bias he has publicly urged your organisations to follow.
28 |
Jay,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
GO DERSHOWITZ! divestment of Israel? a friendly nation, the only one who actually fights terrorists? of course NOT.
how about divestment of Iran,syria,north korea,pakistan? to date GE and other companies as well as most all european nations trade with these hostile countries..Pakistan while on the friendly list, still directly supports terrorism and terror networks. we should be punishing people work with terrorists, not those who fight against them
29 |
James, Nashville,TN,
Monday Feb 23, 2009
The steps mentioned by Dershowitz would accomplish two vital goals: *justice would be done, and *justice would be seen to be done.
30 |
Alan in Canada,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
The Hampshire administration, in its statement of justification, maintained that the problem was caused by some students misprepresenting the school and speaking for it without authorization, and that they are therefore subject to discipline. One little detail: exactly what disciplinary measures will be imposed, indeed whether ANYTHING will be done, is to be totally secret. Sure.
31 |
fg,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
Tell me dear JPost: "Tom, US", judging by the acute proliferation on these pages, are an insider built-in brick, guys?! :-)
32 |
DavidM,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
Nobody should donate to Hampshire College. Parents should not send their children to this place. Jewish students are not welcome there and Gentile students who support Israel are also unwelcome. The president did not have the courage to take a stand when a stand was needed. His letter was too little too late. Hampshire College is not worthy of attendance or donations.
33 |
paul shapera,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
To Daniel of San Francisco (Comment No. 21):
You are obviously not a supporter of Israel nor of American democracy. Your personal attacks against me and Professor Dershowitz are vulgar. Why would any law firm hire a Hampshire College student since said student lacks proper education in history. . . not to mention law?
By the way, both of my parents are proud of me. Yours?
Paul Shapera
Hartford, CT
34 |
Daniel, San Francisco,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
Gábor Fränkl from Budapest: I steer you to a blog written by a Hampshire professor who can explain it far better than I.
[ Link to page ]
I encourage you to read this entry, along with the comment that follows. A lot of good stuff goes on at Hampshire. Boycotting Hampshire, and especially boycotting Hampshire graduates and refusing to hire them, is infantile behavior. Although I would never want one of the leaders of SJP to work with me, there are many quality Hampshire graduates out there doing very important work.
35 |
Daniel, San Francisco,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
One more thing, Gábor. As to this lawyer from Connecticut, Paul Shapera: we have a name for a guy like that in the United States. It's called a douchebag. Or if you'd prefer, you could just call him a schmuck. You don't want to be friends with schmucks, Gábor.
36 |
Gábor Fränkl (30) Budapest, Hungary,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
Daniel - we are well past the proverbial "point of no return", i.e.: engaging in serious debate with those who are crystal-clearly not interested in one, just spreading hateful propaganda. The last, say, 15 years provided ample opportunity of debate for those really interested in engaing meaningful and productive dialogue vis-a-vis Israel and its place in the world. We should not appease people full of hateful, dare I say anti-Semitic agenda. Regards, Gábor Fränkl
Re: Shapera I don't think the "suffocation" of Hampshire C. is such a big price in standing up to racist bigots in my view.
37 |
Gábor Fränkl (30) Budapest, Hungary,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
Daniel, "One more thing" - My association and identification is a little bit stronger with those of forcefully trying to defend Israel against racists than with these same racists. I can't possible think, as nor should you, that the letter is more noble than the former. No further comment necessary.
38 |
Gábor Fränkl (30) Budapest, Hungary,
Tuesday Feb 24, 2009
Daniel, finally: In my "anti-Semitic" country [to a certain extent it really IS] this utter and horrible shame and sorry excuse of a higher learning institution would, I GUARANTEE, N.E.V.E.R. occur anything near the same like pillorizing the only Jewish state among the community/family of nations as with regard Hampshire College in the great "liberal", "philosemite" United States of America. Why is that? Think about that please!
39 |
Ari Nir,
Wednesday Feb 25, 2009
Chaim.
If you are Chaim I am Ivan the Terrible.
40 |
Wenhong, China,
Wednesday Feb 25, 2009
41 |
Daniel, San Francisco,
Wednesday Feb 25, 2009
Gabor & Paul: I don't agree with SJP. In fact, I do find what they did and what they stand for to be totally wrongheaded, ignorant of history, and highly offensive. However, they are not Hampshire College. They are not every student at this school. And Paul, other than calling you a schmuck, which you completely warrant being called (I may call the Connecticut Bar Association), there were no personal attacks. Hampshire is still a place of learning that graduates highly motivated, thoughtful people, w/ many committed to peace and conflict resolution, without bashing Israel. Keep an open mind.
42 |
Hampshire Parent NY,
Wednesday Feb 25, 2009
To Daniel in San Francisco:
No personal attacks?
Quoting Student letter at [ Link to page ] . on Students for Justice in Palestine:
"phrases or words like racist, repulsive and disgusts are not... great ways of disagreeing with someone, yet all of these (are)... being heard... directed at anyone who has questioned SJP,...SJP is (not) the only group of students Ive heard speak... like that towards other people, but rather the most recent, and one of the most extreme examples of how we have let discourse on this campus be derailed into petty personal attacks."
43 |
ted,
Friday Feb 27, 2009
I see Dershowitz refers to "two stocks that the SJP demanded you sell that do not violate the Hampshire policy but that do business with Israel. " Anyone know which 2 companies he's referring to?
44 |
Theophilous, trapped behind enemy lines in CT,
Saturday Feb 28, 2009
People!! People!!!
Lets all just calm down a little. I have a very simple solution. Let's just rename Hampshire College the Hampshire Madras, institute full sharia law there, and see how long it takes the SJP to violate the bans on extra marital sex or drinking of alcohol.
I am sure Imam Hexter would have no trouble getting the rest of the fascists to comply.
hmm can you get hallal pepperoni pizza delivered to the dorms?
Of course this would make the expression of, "Let's not lose our heads" take on a whole new meaning.
Actually I would support the expulsion of all the SJP
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