University to Take a Stand?

Nils Butenschön, researcher at the Institute for Human Rights, wants the University of Oslo to take a stand in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. -We have to regard Israel in the same way as we used to view South Africa, he says.

Rector Arild Underdal, who has refused an invitation to celebrate the Israeli national day at the Israeli embassy in May, argues that it would be inappropriate for the Senate to make political statements on behalf of the university. – We have to voice our protest without encouraging anti-semitic elements, he says.