Higher Education Council Adopts Institutional Neutrality Rule

Israel’s Council for Higher Education approved a decision requiring universities and colleges to remain institutionally neutral on political matters. Institutions may not use their status, authority, resources or activities to promote a political position or campaign, and the rule also covers statements made in an institution’s name by presidents, management and senior academic or administrative officials. The council said the decision does not restrict academic freedom or the personal speech of students, researchers and faculty. Education Minister and council chairman Yoav Kisch said the measure is intended to preserve academia as an open space for study, teaching and research.