The University of Arts Helsinki has responded on 13 November to the statement from the Student Union calling on the University to join the academic and cultural boycott of Israel. Our chairperson Sara Koiranen comments on the University's response to the members' initiative and the student union's demands.
Advocacy win! The University of the Arts has joined the academic and cultural boycott of Israel.
After the members' initiative, created by the members of the University of Arts Student Union and the student union's statement, the University of the Arts has suspended cooperation between the Academy of Fine Arts and the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Israel until 6 November 2024. statement myötä Taideyliopisto on jäädyttänyt Kuvataideakatemian ja israelilaisen Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design -yliopiston välisen yhteistyön 6.11.2024.
Furthermore, the University of the Arts commits not to cooperating with israeli universities until the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been resolved and the conditions for cooperation have been ethically assessed. The University of the Arts has also assessed its investments on the basis of the BDS boycott list.
The membership iniative process, which called for the boycott, has been long and far from easy for the student union. While it has been clear that there has been strong and widespread support for the initiative, it has also attracted opposition and strong feelings. The Student Union must also listen to these voices. Every student has the right to study in peace and to feel part of the community. We are all responsible for this together.
However, critical voices are not a reason to obstruct the democratic process, which decided in favour of the initiative for an academic and cultural boycott of Israel. The student union's highest decision-making body, the Representative Council, unanimously supported the members' initiative.
During the year, TaiYo's Board has had several discussions with the University of the Arts leadership on both university democracy and the university's relationship with society. The debate has been important, but also difficult. There has also been a wider public debate on the subject, both within and outside the walls of the university. Today, however, I think those difficult debates have developed both the student union and the university as social actors.
The university does not act in isolation from the rest of society. In particular, I would like to thank the University of the Arts Helsinki for having the courage to take a stand against the double standards of decision-makers, when other universities have remained silent on the subject. This boycott will not solve the genocide, but it is an important step in Finnish social debate. I hope that other universities will follow the courageous example of the University of Arts Helsinki.
Special thanks goes to the students who have contributed to the cause. You were brave even when I was afraid. Above all, this is your achievement.
Sara Koiranen
Chair of the University of Arts Student Union
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