Banning political discussions in university lecture halls

Under new regulations in Israel, lecturers are not allowed to discuss politics in the classroom or publicly support political boycott movements.

Israeli Education Minister Bennett - Photo: Ynetnews

According to the Ynetnews (Israel) news site, this new ethics regulation was requested by the Minister of Education Naftali Bennett. The Israeli Minister of Education wants to apply this ban to all colleges and universities across the country.

Specifically, Israeli university lecturers will be banned from presenting their views to students on political issues, except during relevant professional classes such as political science.

Along with that, Mr. Naftali Bennett also said that university lecturers are not allowed to call for a boycott movement against the academic institution where they work.

In addition, academic institutions are also prohibited from contacting groups and organizations related to political activities. Specifically, each unit needs to implement this new regulation and monitor the political activities of employees at their organization.

Violators will be reprimanded or receive disciplinary action depending on the severity of the violation.

However, despite this new regulation, many lecturers in Israel say they will not comply with it.

Last December, after Mr Bennett asked Professor Kasher to draft the new ethics code, several senior academics called on Mr Kasher to reject Education Minister Bennett's proposal.

Hundreds of university lecturers have signed a petition protesting the Israeli government's interference in academic matters.

According to TTO