California university president put on leave after announcing agreement with pro-Palestinian group
ROHNERT PARK, California — The chancellor of the California State University system has suspended the president of the Sonoma campus for announcing an agreement with pro-Palestinian activists to pursue an academic boycott of Israeli institutions, as well as “divestment strategies.”
The message from Sonoma State University President Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee was issued “without proper approvals,” Mildred García, chancellor of the 23-campus CSU system, said in a statement Wednesday.
“For now, due to this insubordination and the consequences it has caused to the system, President Lee has been placed on administrative leave,” García said.
Lee quickly apologized for the deal, which he announced Tuesday after meeting with students who set up a campus encampment, one of many that have appeared at colleges to protest Israel’s actions in the war with Hamas and to put pressure on schools to cut ties with Israel and the business community. who support it.
“My goal in meeting with students at the camp 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 campus-wide message did the exact opposite,” Lee wrote.
“In my attempt to find common ground with one group of students, I have marginalized other members of our student population and community. I realize the damage this has caused, and I take full responsibility for it,” Lee said.
In his original message, Lee endorsed student activism, protest and dissent.
“None of us should stand on the sidelines as people are victims of mass murder and destruction,” Lee had said on Tuesday as he announced the formation of a Student Advisory Council for Justice in Palestine in Sonoma State.
Lee said a review of all investments in university foundations and supplier contracts is being launched.
“Following the review, the Advisory Board of SJP and SSU directors will meet with appropriate officials to determine a course of action leading to divestment strategies, including the search for ethical alternatives,” Lee said.
Lee said Sonoma State does not have faculty or student exchange agreements in Israel and will not do so in the future.
Sonoma State “will not pursue or participate in study abroad programs, faculty exchanges or other formal partnerships sponsored by or representing the academic and research institutions of the Israeli state,” he said.
Lee added that engagement with “individual Israeli scholars acting in their personal capacity” would be welcome.