University of California to consider anti-Semitism statement

SAN FRANCISCO – The University of California is debating whether to affirmatively oppose anti-Semitic behavior amid a wave of impassioned campus activism that has sparked tensions between Palestinian rights supporters and strong allies of Israel.

For the second time in five months, a committee of the university's governing board is scheduled to vote Wednesday on what's being called a "Statement of Principles Against Intolerance."

The proposed declaration describes the university's role as an institution dedicated to the free exchange of ideas, but twice cites anti-Semitism as a form of bias campus leaders have a duty to challenge.

Pro-Palestinian groups say they also are troubled by language in a report accompanying the proposed statement that lists anti-Zionism — the rejection of Israel's right to exist — as another form of discrimination that doesn't belong at the university.