OsloMet puts exchange agreement on hold
The University Board at OsloMet has decided not to enter into new general cooperation agreements with Israeli universities. The exchange agreement with the University of Haifa is put on hold.
After a discussion at the board meeting on February 13 about OsloMet's academic activities in relation to Israel and Palestine, the university board adopted an adjusted version of the decision proposed by board member Einar Braathen at the meeting.
The decision clearly expresses the university's attitude towards Israel's war actions in Gaza and OsloMet's practice in this situation, while also emphasizing the importance of safeguarding academic freedom and the role of knowledge in society.
The decision does not include research collaboration between researchers and academic environments at OsloMet and Israeli universities.
The wording of the decision by the University Board:
"The University Board condemns Israel's attack on Gaza.
The Board supports the university management's measures and practices to:
- expand the Scholars at Risk scheme
- work to terminate purchasing agreements with suppliers who have a direct connection with the Israeli military or who operate in the occupied Palestinian territories
- establish measures that promote dialogue between Palestinian and Israeli academics about peace and cooperation
- maintain the university's independent role in society, academic freedom, and safeguard the important role of knowledge in relation to countries and regions in war, conflict, and crisis
In addition, the Board decides that OsloMet puts the exchange agreement with the University of Haifa on hold and does not enter into any new general cooperation agreements on institutional cooperation with Israeli universities and colleges."
Voted on adjusted proposals
Through the board's discussion, several views and proposals for decisions emerged. In the end, there were revised proposals for decisions from both Einar Braathen and the Rector, which differed on the issue of whether the University Board should decide to put the exchange agreement with the University of Haifa on hold and that OsloMet does not enter into new general cooperation agreements with universities in Israel.
Braathen's proposal was adopted with nine to two votes.
(The article has been translated into English using AI).
