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Head of California state university on leave after agreeing to academic boycott of Israel

By Alexander Fulbright 16 May 2024, 3:25 am 35 Edit
Mike Lee of Sonoma State University. (YouTube screenshot: used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Mike Lee of Sonoma State University. (YouTube screenshot: used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

The president of a state university in Northern California announces that’s he now on leave, less than a day after endorsing an academic boycott of Israel as part of an agreement with pro-Palestinian demonstrators to take down their tent encampment that has been strongly denounced by Jewish groups and lawmakers.

In addition to an academic boycott, Sonoma State University’s Mike Lee agreed to the establishment of an “advisory council” of Students for Justice in Palestine — whose national umbrella organization praised the Hamas-led October 7 terror onslaught — to ensure compliance with the deal, which also includes a section on “disclosure and divestment.”

“My goal when meeting with students at the encampment was to explore opportunities to make meaningful change, identify common ground and create a safe and inclusive campus for all. I now realize that many of the statements I made in my campuswide message did just the opposite,” Lee writes in an email.

“In my attempt to find agreement with one group of students, I marginalized other members of our student population and community. I realize the harm that this has caused, and I take full ownership of it. I deeply regret the unintended consequences of my actions,” he continues, while saying “the points outlined in the message were mine alone.”

“As I step away on a leave, I will reflect on the harm this has caused and will be working with the chancellor’s Office to determine next steps.”

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