Michigan professor declines to endorse student’s Israel trip

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – University of Michigan officials have criticized a professor’s decision not to recommend a student for a study program in Israel.

The school said in a statement Tuesday it opposes boycotts of Israeli higher education institutions. It adds “injecting personal politics” in decisions related to supporting students “is counter to our values.”

Professor John Cheney-Lippold initially said he couldn’t write a recommendation letter for junior Abigail Ingber because of an academic boycott against Israel. He later told The Michigan Daily the boycott stance is “personal” and says he’s not anti-Semitic.

The Associated Press sent an email seeking comment from Ingber.

Some have called for boycotts over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Supporters say the boycotts are a nonviolent way to promote the Palestinian cause. Israel says it aims to delegitimize the Jewish state.

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Information from: The Michigan Daily, http://www.michigandaily.com