Lee is expected to work with the Chancellor’s Office to determine the next steps, reflecting on the repercussions of his actions. The university is currently under scrutiny to see if it will retract the decisions outlined in Lee’s email.
Responses from Pro-Israel Advocates
The protestors’ demands are not appreciated by Jewish students of pro-Israel organizations.
The decision to place Lee on leave was widely praised.
Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of StandWithUs, stated, “StandWithUs deeply appreciates leaders across California who acted quickly after Sonoma State’s shameful agreement became public.”
She emphasized the importance of university leaders resisting pressures from groups advocating for the boycott of Israel. And is grateful to institutions standing against antisemitism.
Anti-Israel Movements
Sonoma State’s situation is not isolated.
Across the United States, universities have faced increasing pressure from anti-Israel activists.
Brown University agreed to a divestment vote to dismantle a student encampment. And Northwestern University reinstated an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility without a divestment vote. Evergreen State College, San Francisco State University, and Harvard University have also made large concessions in response to anti-Israel protests.
