Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) has issued a “sincere and sincere” apology to French-Israeli sociologist Eva Illouz for withdrawing an invitation to her to attend a seminar and give a lecture.
This was “not only unnecessary”, according to EUR rector Jantine Schuit in a letter to Illouz, but also raised “legitimate questions and indignation”, given the “very sensitive geopolitical situation” surrounding Israel and the war in Gaza. Illouz is invited again by the university, this time to help organize a masterclass on academic freedom. This possibility was discussed by the rector with Illouz in a conversation last Monday, in which the university also expressed regret about the “mistake” that “should not have happened”.
A lecture by Illouz (1961), an internationally renowned sociologist, was canceled last month because the organizing department of the university did not feel “comfortable” with it. Illouz is emeritus professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, an institution with which the EUR has frozen cooperation under the influence of protests against the war in Gaza. However, individual visits by scientists remain permitted.
‘Feeling of discomfort’
In her letter to Illouz, the rector points out that “a feeling of discomfort and doubt” should not be a reason to withdraw an invitation. She writes that that decision was unnecessary, but “was not done out of bias or certain intentions.” Nevertheless, the consequences were “extremely unfortunate and undesirable.” Illouz called the cancellation a “bona fide anti-Semitic decision.” In the email in which her lecture was canceled, the Rotterdam Love Lab research group writes that the decision was not unanimous, but was taken by majority given the sensitivity of its ties with the Hebrew University.
The university says it will investigate the matter further. When inviting external scientists, “maximum academic freedom” should be the starting point. Exceptions must be assessed by the Executive Board.
The cancellation of the invitation sparked international outrage and was picked up by French and German media.
Illouz, who previously said she wanted to take legal action against the EUR for discrimination, announced on Friday evening that the university’s apology has resolved the matter for her. In a statement, she said: “This gesture reminds us of the primary mission of a university: to create space for a dialogue that prioritizes knowledge, rather than obscurantism.”
Also read
Sociologist Eva Illouz: ‘My lecture was canceled purely because of what I am, an Israeli. Very painful’
NEW: Give this item as a gift
As an NRC subscriber you can subscribe every month 10 items give as a gift to someone without an NRC subscription. The recipient can read the article directly, without a paywall.