A university president in California has been placed on leave after sending an email announcing an agreement to boycott Israeli institutions without proper authority. Sonoma State University President Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee’s decision to agree to demands from pro-Palestinian activists to boycott Israeli institutions upset Jewish students and pleased anti-Israel protesters.
The announcement of the boycott agreement was made in a memo by Lee on Tuesday, leading to his suspension on Wednesday. The agreement included disclosing university vendor contracts and seeking divestment strategies, as well as implementing an academic boycott against Israeli state academic and research institutions.
California State University Chancellor Mildred García explained that Lee’s suspension was due to sending the agreement memo without proper approvals. The suspension was a result of insubordination and the negative impact it had on the Sonoma State community. The Chancellor emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and community members.
It is noted that boycotting and divesting from Israeli universities goes against California laws against the BDS movement.
