Statement from Sarah Onifade, Welfare & Liberation Sabbatical Officer, concerning the upcoming event with Benny Morris by the LSE Law Department
I want to express my strong disappointment about the upcoming event with Benny Morris by the LSE Law Department. Benny Morris has a history of making comments such as "There are circumstances in history that justify ethnic cleansing…”¹ and "Something like a cage has to be built for them. I know that sounds terrible. It is really cruel. But there is no choice…”²
I believe comments like this have no place in our academic institution, or in any inclusive society. I firmly believe that his presence on campus will negatively impact all students and create a hostile environment that undermines our principles of diversity, equality, and mutual respect. Such inflammatory rhetoric not only goes against our values of inclusivity and tolerance, but it also undermines our efforts to foster a safe and supportive campus environment for all.
While I respect and understand the desire for academic freedom, I feel that the event with Benny Morris is a greater threat to the wellbeing, and sense of belonging, for many students at LSE, and I believe all students should feel respected and valued within our community – no one should have to bear the burden of fear and hostility in their academic environment.
I stand in solidarity with the students who are distressed at this event, and echo concerns of safety and wellbeing for all students on campus. Like many others, I want to categorically state that I do not endorse the presence of Benny Morris on campus. This being said, I do urge our community to be respectful and be mindful of students and staff who do wish to attend the event – their wellbeing and safety fundamentally need to be regarded.
Student welfare and inclusion will always be the highest priority for me; please find below are important links for pastoral care, as well as links to the full statements said by Benny Morris as referenced above.
- https://newleftreview.org/issues/ii26/articles/benny-morris-on-ethnic-cleansing
- https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/new-historians-and-the-defection-of-benny-morris/