Israeli Education Panel Bans University Officials From Making Political Statements

The directive calls for 'maintaining institutional neutrality on political issues,' by not using their powers to 'promote a political position or struggle,' and threatens budgetary sanctions on the institutions that fail to sign on to the commitment

July 21st, 20PM July 21st, 20PM

Israel's Council for Higher Education, headed by Education Minister Yoav Kisch, approved a decision banning university presidents, deans, administrators and other officials from making political statements.

The directive "does not harm academic freedom or the private freedom of expression of lecturers and students," the council said.

Kisch welcomed the decision, saying that academia "is made for research and freedom of thought, not for political struggles," and that "the move will ensure that it remains an open space for all."

In May, Kisch demanded that the heads of Israel's universities and colleges sign a written commitment to refrain from promoting political agendas on campus, and threatened that the government would pass a highly-contested Likud-sponsored bill: the Higher Education Council Bill (Amendment – Strengthening Transparency and Public Oversight of the Higher Education Council).

The bill, still under review, outlines the "boundaries of permitted political activity on campuses."

Also under the bill, the Council for Higher Education board would be dismissed after the next elections, and the education minister would be granted authority to dismiss senior officials at any time and appoint government allies in their place. The government would also be able to use the higher education budget – about 14 billion shekels ($3.8 billion) annually – as it sees fit.

At the time, the Association of University Heads said, "We will not allow the education minister to drag academia into his political fight for survival."

The written commitment calls for "maintaining institutional neutrality on political issues," by not using their powers to "promote a political position or struggle," due to the "escalation in public and political discourse in Israel and worldwide." It threatens to impose budgetary sanctions on the institutions if they fail to sign the commitment.

The government said its plan to advance the bill was formulated at the institutions' request – but the letter cited by the government shows that heads of academic institutions were actually urging legislators to reverse the measures.

"The bill lacks a factual basis and could significantly harm higher education institutions," the council wrote in its letter to the Education Ministry and Prime Minister's Office. "Instead of strengthening academia in the complex international challenges it currently faces, the bill creates an unnecessary internal conflict."

The letter, obtained by Haaretz, shows the heads of academic institutions were actually asking lawmakers to suspend a bill aimed at preventing political strikes at publicly funded institutions.

Concerns about an assault on higher education arose first in 2023 amid the judicial overhaul, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government was formed. Universities and colleges have since seen their independence come under pressure from the government, while at the same time facing a growing international boycott.

On Monday, five members of the council announced their resignation in protest of the law promoting gender segregation in higher education, which passed last week.

Their resignations leave a total of 19 sitting council members, the minimum required by law for it to function. If others resign, the council will no longer be able to make certain decisions, including approving new academic programs.

Lior Dattel contributed to this report.