Resolutions from the 2017 Delegate Assembly
At its meeting on 7 January 2017, the MLA Delegate Assembly approved the following resolutions. The MLA Executive Council forwarded them to the MLA membership for ratification. The membership ratified the resolutions in a vote that was completed on 1 June 2017. (Note: The numbering of the resolutions reflects the fact that the assembly did not approve two other resolutions that it considered.)
Resolution 2017-1
Whereas endorsing the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel contradicts the MLA’s purpose to promote teaching and research on language and literature;
Whereas the boycott’s prohibition of the evaluation of work of individual Israeli scholars conflicts with Resolution 2002-1, which condemns boycotts against scholars; and
Whereas endorsing the boycott could curtail debates with representatives of Israeli universities, such as faculty members, department chairs, and deans, thereby blocking possible dialogue and general scholarly exchange;
Be it resolved that the MLA refrain from endorsing the boycott.
Resolution 2017-4
Whereas the Modern Language Association upholds the ideal of free and unfettered scholarly exchange, including the right of scholars to travel across international borders;
Whereas the MLA opposes discrimination—among faculty members, staff members, and students—on the basis of race, gender, class, ethnicity, color, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, political belief, or national origin; and
Whereas the MLA is aware that the Trump administration threatens to violate these core principles of democracy and academic freedom;
Be it resolved that the MLA strongly endorses the statement of the American Association of University Professors, “Higher Education after the 2016 Election,” and urges members to disseminate it widely.