New York, NY, June 8, 2006 … In the wake of a decision by Britain's largest union of college and university teachers to boycott Israeli academics, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) wrote to major U.S. academic associations, urging them to publicly condemn the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE).

"NATFHE's resolution, which demands that Israeli academics pass an ideological test before they can be regarded as partners and colleagues, represents a shocking violation of the principles of academic freedom and open exchange.  In addition, this effort singularly demonizes Israel and designates Israel for pariah status despite the myriad of human rights outrages around the world," wrote Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

ADL also requested that the associations publicly call on the newly formed University and College Union (UCU) to rescind the resolution and uphold the principles of academic freedom and the spirit of open exchanges of ideas among scholars and academics. The UCU is the result of a merger between NATFHE and the Association of University Teachers (AUT).

ADL's letter was sent to the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association of American Universities, the Association of College Unions International, the National Association for Campus Activities, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the American College Personnel Association, the Association of International Educators and the American Association of University Women.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.