Speaking Out Against Genocide and Scholasticide

The Condemnation of Scholarly Complicity

A powerful voice has emerged within the academic community, denouncing the atrocities committed in Gaza and demanding an end to institutional complicity with genocide.

The Modern Language Association (MLA), in a resolution supported by Members for Justice in Palestine, has accused Israel of scholasticide—the systematic destruction of education infrastructure—in Gaza.

This relentless onslaught has not only claimed countless lives but has also wiped out schools, libraries, and archives, obliterating the very fabric of Palestinian learning and intellectual pursuits.

The Call for Action

"The MLA's commitment to 'justice throughout the humanities ecosystem' requires ending institutional complicity with genocide and supporting Palestinian colleagues," declares the statement.

Protesters at a recent demonstration chanted slogans and held a banner proclaiming, "MLA Is Complicit in Genocide."

Dr. Karim Mattar, an associate professor of English, lamented the MLA Executive Council's decision to suppress a vote on the resolution, describing it as "cowardly."

Expert Perspectives

"It's a fundamental contradiction in the MLA's values," added Mattar. "It claims to advocate for the humanities but blocks mechanisms for activism."

Dr. Neelofer Qadir, a co-organizer of the protest, emphasized the importance of preserving Palestinian life and history:

"Institutions like universities, libraries, and archives are being destroyed to eradicate evidence of Palestinian existence. Our responsibility as scholars is to stand with our colleagues who are being murdered for their existence."

Consequences of Inaction

The MLA Executive Council has defended its position on legal and fiduciary grounds, but critics dismiss this excuse as a cover-up.

"The MLA is part of a formal program of organized abandonment that is part and parcel of fascist and neoliberal governance," said Dr. Qadir.

Dr. Raj Chetty, another co-organizer, warned that the MLA's inaction will have severe consequences.

"Membership dues and intellectual work will start evaporating as people realize the MLA's true lack of concern for justice," Chetty said.

A Call for Change

MLA Members for Justice in Palestine urges supporters to withhold their membership renewal until meaningful changes are made.

"This protest is not just about Palestine," Chetty concluded. "It's a call to humanity, a call against complicity, and a demand for Palestinian life and the preservation of knowledge."