Forum Post: South Dakota University attempting to curb speech on Palestine.

from Council for the National Interest

Dear Friends,

Most of us following the Palestine-Israel issue are all too used to the censorship that surrounds any accurate discussion of the Palestinian plight. And now it's happening again -- but we won't let it stop us!

Israel partisans are attempting to censor my talks scheduled to take place around South Dakota next week. The South Dakota World Affairs Council has given in to the pressure and pulled its sponsorship of one talk, but we will hold the event anyway, at the planned location and time. Other lectures are going forward as scheduled, at least so far. (See event details.) http://www.councilforthenationalinterest.org/about-us/calendar

Among those who complained to the World Affairs Council was retired South Dakota State University Professor Harry Greenbaum. Augustana Professor Murray Haar has also pressured campuses not to allow me to speak, and some Israel partisans have pressured the media not to cover my events.

While some World Affairs Council leaders have said that my talk would be valuable and praised my work, the local Council decided that it could not afford to antagonize those members of the Israel Lobby who wished the talk canceled.

"This is outrageous," says former South Dakota Senator James Abourezk, who at one time served on the National Board of Directors of the World Affairs Council and who currently is on the Board the Council for the National Interest. "The National World Affairs Council would never have countenanced a censorship effort such as this."

In an email canceling the event, the World Affairs Council said concerns had been raised about the need for "nonpartisan balance" in the event, but that there was insufficient time or resources to select an additional speaker.

Abourezk and I suggested possible pro-Israel speakers that the Council could invite to debate me, but the Council in Brookings rejected that offer and we were told the cancellation was a "done deal." One of the critics of the talk had already been invited to speak but had declined. Abourezk says: "The World Affairs Council has never before required such 'balance.'" Please see below for details about my talks in South Dakota. I appreciate anyone with connections in the area sharing this information. Thank you for your support and your commitment to justice and peace!

Warm Regards,

Alison Weir President, Council for the National Interest

http://www.councilforthenationalinterest.org/