The Organization of American Historians announced last week that it would move all events from its forthcoming annual meeting out of the Adam's Mark Hotel in St. Louis because the hotel chain has been accused of discriminating against black guests. An article in the new issue of The Chronicle explains how the O.A.H. was facing a boycott of its own, as many of its members threatened to leave the group if it went ahead with the meeting. The article also explores other academic boycotts. Some groups will not hold meetings in states that have banned affirmative action. Several colleges' athletics teams are refusing to compete in South Carolina because of the debate there over flying the Confederate battle flag above the statehouse.
Some academics see such boycotts as principled stands by scholars against injustice.
Others say that scholarly associations should focus on scholarship and that boycotts divert attention from that agenda. Still others say that the boycotts impose a particular political view on an entire group. Be sure to include your name and affiliation. Legitimate requests for anonymity will be honored. The Chronicle maintains Colloquy as an open forum where readers can comment on issues.