TORONTO — B’nai Brith Canada and the Network of Engaged Canadian Academics (NECA) are urging the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) to withdraw its March 2025 “Report on Academic Freedom in Canada after October 7, 2023,” accusing it of bias against Jewish and Zionist scholars. They argue the report distorts discussions about Israel and penalizes efforts to combat antisemitism as threats to free speech.
The report explores incidents affecting academic freedom related to the Israel‑Gaza conflict, citing cases primarily involving pro‑Palestinian expression. Critics contend it ignores well‑documented threats against pro‑Israel and Jewish faculty.
NECA, representing over 300 academics, said Jewish, Israeli, Zionist, and allied faculty have faced “ongoing exclusion, silencing, physical threats, and intimidation” since October 7. They accuse CAUT of failing to document these cases, thereby undermining the rights of all members.
The report’s endorsement of a definition of Anti‑Palestinian Racism (APR), adopted from a small advocacy group, drew particular criticism. Jewish Academic Alliance of BC (JAABC) described it as “blatant anti‑Israel bias” that could label mainstream Zionist views as racist.
B’nai Brith Canada called the report “deeply biased,” arguing that it misrepresents efforts to counter campus antisemitism. NECA added that the CAUT motion to form a task force focusing solely on pro‑Palestinian expression would “create a chilling effect” on pro‑Israel scholarship.
The CAUT report underscores numerous cases involving pro‑Palestinian academic speech, studying “the Palestine exception” in academic freedom. However, critics say the narrower focus shuts out Jewish and Zionist viewpoints.
NECA and JAABC demand the immediate withdrawal of the report and related motions. They call for a revised inquiry that includes mainstream Jewish and Israeli perspectives and uses a rigorous methodology.
They further urge CAUT to commission an impartial investigation of the current climate affecting Jewish and Zionist faculty, with balanced representation and scholarly integrity.
This article is based on verified information from CAUT, NECA, B’nai Brith Canada, JAABC, and academic observers.