2 September 2007

 

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Howard Zinn asks for help fighting attack on academic freedom at U. Michigan

The email printed below is from the historian Howard Zinn.

StandWithUs, the group he mentions that is pressuring U Michigan Press to censor Joel Kovel's book and stop distributing Pluto Books, was involved in a hate mail campaign against three UB professors a few years ago. Two of us were targeted because we sponsored a campus lecture by the historian Norman Finkelstein; the third was targeted because the letter writers didn't think she devoted enough time to the Jewish Holocaust in one of her classes. Academic freedom and the open examination of ideas is not very high on their agenda, as our experience here and Zinn's letter indicates.

BJ

A Message from Howard Zinn on behalf of the Committee for an Open Discussion of Zionism

Dear Friend:

As you may have heard, in late August of this year, The University of Michigan Press, after receiving a series of complaining and threatening emails and letters from an ultra-Zionist group called StandWithUs, an offshoot of Campus Watch, withdrew from distribution Prof. Joel Kovel’s book Overcoming Zionism, published by Pluto Press in London, United Kingdom. Since then, following numerous protests by fellow academics and scholars, The U. of M. Press Executive Board has restored the book to its distribution listings. But, ominously, the Board has indicated its intention to reconsider its contract with Pluto Press in mid October.

Overcoming Zionism is a serious, well researched work espousing a humanistic resolution. It is a valuable addition to the growing debate, in and out of American academia, that is re-examining long held assumptions about the sources of conflict in the Middle East. It should be discussed - supported or refuted but not suppressed.

But even more serious is the University’s threat to cancel its distribution contract with Pluto Press. Pluto is a valuable and unique intellectual resource, publishing progressive books of a consistently high quality. It provides an alternative viewpoint essential to discussion and debate of important social issues, such as those concerning Israel/Palestine and the Middle East. The cancellation of Pluto’s contract with the University would be a serious blow to the principles of pluralism, academic freedom and free speech.

We urge you to add your voice to those of the many professors and authors that have vigorously protested these actions. We ask that you send a letter or, better yet, an email to U. of M. Press Executive Board Chair Peggy McCracken with copies to University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, Dean Janet A Weiss; and Provost Teresa

Sullivan, demanding that the University of Michigan Press continue its contract with Pluto Press. Further, we ask that you forward this request for support and suggested support letter to those on any list that you may maintain or have access to.

We attach a sample letter, below, along with email and postal addressees, for your convenience. Please send this immediately, or feel free to compose your own. Time is of the essence so please act quickly.

Thank you for your kind support.

Sincerely,

Howard Zinn

For the Committee for an Open Discussion of Zionism

www.CODZ.org

Please send your letters and emails to:

Professor Peggy McCracken

Executive Board Chair

University of Michigan Press

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

peggymcc@umich.edu

President Susan Coleman

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

presoff@umich.edu

Janet A. Weiss

Dean of the Rackham Graduate School and Vice Provost

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070

janetw@umich.edu

Teresa A. Sullivan

Provost and Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs

3074 Fleming Building

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1340

tsull@umich.edu

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear Professor McCracken:

It has come to my attention that The University of Michigan Press has recently withdrawn its distribution of Prof. Joel Kovel’s book, Overcoming Zionism and has indicated its intention to review, and perhaps cancel, its distribution contract with the publisher of Prof. Kovel’s book, Pluto Press. It is my understanding that these steps were taken immediately following a barrage of complaints from a group called StandWithUs Michgan, an offshoot of the notorious Campus Watch censorship organization. I have heard that distribution of Prof. Kovel’s book has been resumed but that the Pluto Press contract remains under a cloud.

Pluto is a valuable intellectual resource, publishing critical and progressive books of consistently high quality. It is a highly respected alternative academic press. Its discontinuation by the U.of M. Press would directly inhibit people’s access to non-mainstream material and would impede critical thought, discussion and debate on important issues, especially those concerning Israel/Palestine and the Middle East.

Further, the University’s suspension of its distribution contract with Pluto Press under these circumstances would constitute a flagrant violation of the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech. I strongly protest against any such move. My high regard for the University of Michigan would be seriously diminished if such a suspension took place and it would affect any future relationship I might have with the University.

Sincerely,

[SIGN YOUR NAME]

“ 

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