On Saturday, Students for a Free Palestine (SFP) will host the Middle East activism conference, “Activism 102.” The goal of the conference is to teach students and non-students how to be effective activists concerning Middle Eastern politics. “Activism 102” assumes a ‘pro-Palestinian’ stance; while it is not intended to tackle political issues, the conference will undoubtedly touch on them. SFP has held numerous events in the past that were meant to be educational in nature concerning Palestinian issues. This conference will not directly address such issues, but will focus its energies on teaching methods to be an effective activist.
Disparaging remarks regarding the conference vocalized by certain Wesleyan faculty members and students have recently been brought to SFP’s attention. We had assumed the conference would be held without coming under fire from the Wesleyan community: the conference is not intended to be a debate, but a learning experience. However, unfounded, racist charges have been made against SFP’s intentions in holding “Activism 102. ” We are not writing this Wespeak to defend ourselves, as we find all the accusations to be reactionary, false in nature and wholly unworthy of response.
Rather we would like to take this opportunity to explain the ground-rules SFP has decided upon for Saturday’s conference. In the spirit of education, all questions are welcomed and encouraged; however, given the undercurrent of reactionary racism that has been expressed by members of the Wesleyan community, SFP would like to make clear that no disrespectful disruptions will be tolerated.
We are holding the event to foster learning among those who are dedicated to enriching themselves as activists of Middle Eastern politics, and we will not have it reduced to a venue for racist or Zionist rants. If we find attendees to be disruptive, the disruption will be addressed immediately. Again, we hope “Activism 102” will be a learning experience for those attending, and expect everyone to remain respectful at all times throughout their participation in the conference. We hope the conference will be a positive experience for the Wesleyan community, and that all who attend will respect the purpose of this conference and participate wholly.
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