[WCUSP] Committee for the Open Discussion of Zionism - Letter from Howard Zinn

[KATHARLOW at aol.com]

Letter from Howard Zinn -- PLEASE SIGN & SEND

Send a letter to  the University of Michigan Press
PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR MAILING  LISTS

Dear Friend:

As you may have heard, in late August of this  year, The
University of Michigan Press, after receiving a series
of  complaining and threatening emails and letters from
an ultra-Zionist group  called StandWithUs, an offshoot
of Campus Watch, withdrew from distribution  Prof. Joel
Kovel's book Overcoming Zionism, published by Pluto
Press in  London, United Kingdom. Since then, following
numerous protests by fellow  academics and scholars, The
U. of M. Press Executive Board has restored the  book to
its distribution listings. But, ominously, the Board has
indicated  its intention to reconsider its contract with
Pluto Press in mid  October.

Overcoming Zionism is a serious, well researched  work
espousing a humanistic resolution. It is a valuable
addition to the  growing debate, in and out of American
academia, that is re-examining long  held assumptions
about the sources of conflict in the Middle East.  It
should be discussed - supported or refuted - but  not
suppressed.

But even more serious is the University's threat  to
cancel its distribution contract with Pluto Press. Pluto
is a valuable  and unique intellectual resource,
publishing progressive books of a  consistently high
quality. It provides an alternative viewpoint  essential
to discussion and debate of important social issues,
such as  those concerning Israel/Palestine and the Middle
East. The cancellation of  Pluto's contract with the
University would be a serious blow to the  principles of
pluralism, academic freedom and free speech.

We urge you  to add your voice to those of the many
professors and authors that have  vigorously protested
these actions. We ask that you send a letter or,  better
yet, an email to U. of M. Press Executive Board Chair
Peggy  McCracken with copies to University of Michigan
President Mary Sue Coleman,  Dean Janet A Weiss; and
Provost Teresa Sullivan, demanding that the  University
of Michigan Press continue its contract with Pluto
Press.  Further, we ask that you forward this request for
support and suggested  support letter to those on any
list that you may maintain or have access  to.

We have prepared a sample email or letter together with
emails and  postal addressees of University of Michigan
Press committee members below but  also feel free to
compose your own. Time is of the essence so please  act
quickly.

Thank you for your kind support.
Sincerely,
Howard  Zinn
For the Committee for an Open Discussion of  Zionism
www.CODZ.org

Please send your letters and emails  to:
Professor Peggy McCracken
Executive Board Chair
University of  Michigan Press
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI  48109
peggymcc at umich.edu

President Mary Sue Coleman
University of  Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
presoff at umich.edu

Janet A. Weiss Dean  of the Rackham Graduate School 
and Vice Provost
University of  Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070
janetw at umich.edu

Teresa A.  Sullivan
Provost and Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs
3074  Fleming Building
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI  48109-1340
tsull at umich.edu

Sample Letter:

Dear Professor  McCracken:

It has come to my attention that The University of
Michigan  Press has recently withdrawn its distribution
of Prof. Joel Kovel's book,  Overcoming Zionism and has
indicated its intention to review, and perhaps  cancel,
its distribution contract with the publisher of Prof.
Kovel's  book, Pluto Press. It is my understanding that
these steps were taken  immediately following a barrage
of complaints from a group called StandWithUs  Michgan,
an offshoot of the notorious Campus Watch  censorship
organization. I have heard that distribution of Prof.
Kovel's  book has been resumed but that the Pluto Press
contract remains under a  cloud.

Pluto is a valuable intellectual resource, publishing
critical  and progressive books of consistently high
quality. It is a highly respected  alternative academic
press. Its discontinuation by the U.of M. Press  would
directly inhibit people's access to non-mainstream
material and  would impede critical thought, discussion
and debate on important issues,  especially those
concerning Israel/Palestine and the Middle  East.

Further, the University's suspension of its
distribution  contract with Pluto Press under these
circumstances would constitute a  flagrant violation of
the principles of academic freedom and freedom  of
speech. I strongly protest against any such move. My
high regard for  the University of Michigan would be
seriously diminished if such a suspension  took place
and it would affect any future relationship I might
have with  the University.

Sincerely,
[SIGN YOUR  NAME]





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