ACF-UCSB Calls On Administration to Address AJP Workshop

Dear Chancellor Yang and Executive Vice Chancellor Marshall:

I am compelled to express my serious concerns regarding the recent workshop for UCSB staff entitled “Anti-Palestinian Racism for Student Affairs,” organized by Academics for Justice in Palestine (AJP). A key issue arises from a segment labeled “Introduction to Zionism and its Distinction from Judaism,” conducted by an AJP member identified as a “leading historian of Palestine and long-time educator on the history of Zionism and its relationship to Israel-Palestine.” This session aimed to detach Zionism from Jewish identity — a perspective that is fundamentally at odds with the views of the majority of Jews.

It is troubling to see that Student Affairs facilitated an AJP-led staff workshop that contradicts the principles upheld by the University of California and UCSB leadership, creates ambiguity around UC policies, and jeopardizes UCSB’s ability to maintain its Title VI obligations with integrity. University officials should not support or promote workshops that propagate a discriminatory and biased agenda.

As leaders of a diverse and inclusive institution, it is essential for you to recognize the ramifications of endorsing an event that directly undermines the UC system’s commitment and legal obligation to provide equitable educational opportunities for Jewish students. To ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students, faculty, and staff on our campus, I urge you to take the following steps:

Review Student Affairs’ inadequate decision-making and communication in relation to this AJP-Student Affairs workshop.
Investigate whether public funds were allocated for AJP’s workshop, including any resources provided by UC President Drake after October 7, 2023, intended for viewpoint-neutral training and educational initiatives.
Clarify to all UC personnel, in writing, their obligation to uphold the university’s legal responsibilities to protect Jewish and Israeli students, faculty, and staff against discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically regarding national origin and shared ancestry.
Offer a formal apology to the entire UCSB Jewish community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and Affiliation]

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