I would like to bring to the attention of The Eagle as well as to the AU community certain comments that were made in The Eagle's article "Prof questions U.S.-Israel bond: Harvard author discusses book at AU." A student commented in the article that "'A lot of people in the club [Students for Justice in Palestine] don't think that Israel has the right to exist,' he said. 'They have the view that there should be a Palestinian state in the region.'" This is a misleading statement that was made without consulting any officers of Students for Justice in Palestine as well as in violation of the Students for Justice in Palestine Constitution.
We are an apolitical group that advocates for justice and human rights in historic Palestine, with emphasis on the human rights situation of the Palestinian nation. Any political stance expressed, or held by individual members are held outside of the context of the group. Furthermore, we go to great lengths not to support a particular stance since the sensitivity of the issue creates an atmosphere where a political stance could compromise our place and reputation at AU, as well as place us in an awkward position. All members of Students for Justice in Palestine are encouraged to hold their own personal views, however diverse they may be, with emphasis on maintaining a dignified, informed and dialogue-driven approach. Students for Justice in Palestine does not advocate any political solution yet respects the full right of its members to indicate their personal views outside of the context of the group.
Finally, we are disheartened to see that none of the members of the executive board of our group were consulted in the writing of this article. We hope to see a broader base of informants called upon in future Eagle reporting about AU Students for Justice in Palestine.
The Executive Board of the AU Students for Justice in Palestine
Matthew Stifter Senior, School of International Service
Rachel Weingartner Senior, College of Arts and Sciences
Kara Newhouse Senior, College of Arts and Sciences
Emily Channell Senior, College of Arts and Sciences
