University management writes about the situation in Gaza

At the last University Board meeting, a letter received was discussed in which employees want to see the Board take up a proposal that the University should make a statement regarding the situation in Gaza, similar to Uppsala University's University Board. The Board decided to refer the Vice-Chancellor to describe the work that the University is doing in relation to what is happening in Gaza. 

In light of this, the university management here reports on the work that Mid Sweden University is doing and also gives its view on the situation in Gaza.

We have all witnessed the terrible situation in Gaza. We in the university management distance ourselves from and condemn all forms of violations of human rights, principles of international law, attacks against civilian populations and violations of international agreements, wherever in the world they occur. At the same time, we naturally also distance ourselves from all forms of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. As a university, we believe that it is unacceptable that universities and academic institutions are attacked and wiped out. We also think it is important that our employees freely express themselves based on their skills and expertise.

Universities can play an important role in maintaining a kind of diplomatic channels when the political ones are closed. We have therefore chosen not to interrupt collaborations with Israeli researchers, and the university has had guest researchers from Israel during this difficult period. The university has also been conducting research on the relationship between Palestine and Israel for a long time and how a common cultural heritage can be the basis for future coexistence. As a university, we see this as a way to be a small piece of a big puzzle that is still missing many important pieces.

Mid Sweden University has also taken measures to support vulnerable teachers, researchers and students in Gaza and other vulnerable areas of the world and has long been an active part of Scholars at Risk (SAR). Despite the fact that the university had early contact with researchers in Gaza, SAR, due to the difficult situation, initially had difficulties establishing contact at all. We are now continuing with all our might to help the researcher in question and his family to leave Gaza and come to Mid Sweden University.

We have also established a fund where our employees can apply for funds to help and receive vulnerable students, doctoral students and researchers who do not fall within SAR's framework. The fund is also used to contribute with, for example, distance education in Gaza and other areas that are at war or similar situations.

Within the framework of an open seminar series on academic freedom, we have also arranged a special seminar under the theme "Responsible internationalisation, academic freedom and the war in Gaza". The seminar was attended by researchers, former SAR researchers, a board member, the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and representatives of the Swedish Academia for Palestine and Miun students and staff for Palestine. The discussion was lively and opinions were many. Not everyone agreed, just as an academic seminar should be.

Mid Sweden University will continue to fight for academic freedom, academic diplomacy and respect for human rights and international law principles. We condemn all acts which, wherever in the world they are committed, are directed against the civilian population and its continued existence.

Anders Fällström, Vice-Chancellor
Anna Olofsson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Louise Beskow, University Director
Marie Häggström, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Hans-Erik Nilsson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Håkan Wiklund, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Anna-Lena Perdahl, University Strategist
Dan Bylund, Dean
Pär Olausson, Dean