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{{Short description|Academic association focused on American Studies}} |
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{{Infobox organization |
{{Infobox organization |
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| name = American Studies Association |
| name = American Studies Association |
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| leader_title = President |
| leader_title = President |
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| leader_name = |
| leader_name = Shana Redmond |
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| leader_title2 = Executive-Director |
| leader_title2 = Executive-Director |
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| leader_name2 = |
| leader_name2 = Scott Kurashige |
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| leader_title3 = |
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| footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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⚫ | The '''American Studies Association''' ('''ASA''') is a scholarly organization founded in 1951.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/about/history |title=ASA History |author=American Studies Association |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> It is the oldest scholarly organization devoted to the interdisciplinary study of [[American culture|U.S. culture]] and [[American history|history]]. The ASA works to promote meaningful dialogue about the [[United States |
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⚫ | The '''American Studies Association''' ('''ASA''') is a scholarly organization founded in 1951.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/about/history |title=ASA History |author=American Studies Association |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> It is the oldest scholarly organization devoted to the interdisciplinary study of [[American culture|U.S. culture]] and [[American history|history]]. The ASA works to promote meaningful dialogue about the [[United States of America]], throughout the U.S. and across the globe. Its purpose is to support scholars and scholarship committed to original research, innovative and effective teaching, critical thinking, and public discussion and debate. |
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⚫ | The ASA consists of almost 5,000 individual members along with 2,200 library and other institutional subscribers.<ref name = "About">{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/about/page/what_the_asa_does/ |title=What the ASA Does |publisher=American Studies Association |author=American Studies Association |year=2013 | |
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⚫ | The ASA consists of almost 5,000 individual members along with 2,200 library and other institutional subscribers.<ref name = "About">{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/about/page/what_the_asa_does/ |title=What the ASA Does |publisher=American Studies Association |author=American Studies Association |year=2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> It publishes the journal ''[[American Quarterly]]'' at [[Johns Hopkins University Press]]. The concerns and activities of the organization are international in scope. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The American Studies Association was founded for purposes of |
The American Studies Association was founded for purposes of |
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:the promotion of the study of American culture through the encouragement of research, teaching, publication, the strengthening of relations among persons and institutions in this country and abroad devoted to such studies, and the broadening of knowledge among the general public about American culture in all its diversity and complexity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/about/governance/articles-bylaws#ARTICLE%20I |title=Constitution and Bylaws ARTICLE I: Name and Object |publisher=American Studies Association |year=2013 | |
:the promotion of the study of American culture through the encouragement of research, teaching, publication, the strengthening of relations among persons and institutions in this country and abroad devoted to such studies, and the broadening of knowledge among the general public about American culture in all its diversity and complexity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/about/governance/articles-bylaws#ARTICLE%20I |title=Constitution and Bylaws ARTICLE I: Name and Object |publisher=American Studies Association |year=2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> |
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[[American |
[[American studies]] departments, programs, and centers exist around the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zXNCShnM1e4w.kKZtStLIYhHw |title=Cartographies of American Studies |author=Mark Rice |access-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> |
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==Officers and |
==Officers and governance== |
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Past Presidents of the ASA include [[Carl Bode]] (1951–52), [[Daniel J. Boorstin]] (1969), [[Daniel Aaron]] (1972–73), [[William H. Goetzmann]] ( |
Past Presidents of the ASA include [[Carl Bode]] (1951–52), [[Daniel J. Boorstin]] (1969), [[Daniel Aaron]] (1972–73), [[William H. Goetzmann]] (1974–75), [[Janice Radway]] (1998–99). Recent presidents have included: [[Curis Marez]], [[Lisa Duggan]], [[David Roediger]], [[Robert Allen Warrior|Robert Warrior]], [[Kandice Chuh]], [[Roderick Ferguson]], and [[Scott Kurashige]] (2019-2020). |
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==Membership== |
==Membership== |
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Membership is available to any individual with an interest in the study of American culture. Colleges, universities, museums, foundations, societies and other institutions can also be members of the ASA.<ref name=What_ASA_does>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/about/page/what_the_asa_does/ |title=What the ASA Does |author=American Studies Association |year=2014 | |
Membership is available to any individual with an interest in the study of American culture. Colleges, universities, museums, foundations, societies and other institutions can also be members of the ASA.<ref name=What_ASA_does>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/about/page/what_the_asa_does/ |title=What the ASA Does |author=American Studies Association |year=2014 |access-date=January 4, 2014}}</ref> |
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==Chapters== |
==Chapters== |
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The ASA includes thirteen chapters:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/chapters/ |title=Chapters |author=American Studies Association |year=2014 | |
The ASA includes thirteen chapters:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/chapters/ |title=Chapters |author=American Studies Association |year=2014 |access-date=January 4, 2014}}</ref> |
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*The American Studies Association of Texas |
*The American Studies Association of Texas |
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==Publications== |
==Publications== |
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The ASA regularly produces several publications including: |
The ASA regularly produces several publications including: |
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*The ''[[American Quarterly]]'' (AQ): Published in March, June, September, and December, the Journal's essays engage with important issues in [[American studies]]. It is available online to ASA members and through [[Project |
*The ''[[American Quarterly]]'' (AQ): Published in March, June, September, and December, the Journal's essays engage with important issues in [[American studies]]. It is available online to ASA members and through [[Project MUSE]] and [[JSTOR]].<ref name=What_ASA_does /> |
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*The ASA E-Newsletter: Published quarterly, this newsletter provides information on programs, publications and opportunities relevant to ASA members, while aiming to promote a broader awareness of the challenges facing the American Studies Community.<ref name=What_ASA_does /> |
*''The ASA E-Newsletter'': Published quarterly, this newsletter provides information on programs, publications and opportunities relevant to ASA members, while aiming to promote a broader awareness of the challenges facing the American Studies Community.<ref name=What_ASA_does /> |
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*The Encyclopedia of American Studies: An online database featuring over 750 searchable articles. The ASA claims that the "Encyclopedia of American Studies is the leading reference work for the field."<ref name=What_ASA_does /> |
*''[[The Encyclopedia of American Studies]]'': An online database featuring over 750 searchable articles. The ASA claims that the "''Encyclopedia of American Studies'' is the leading reference work for the field."<ref name=What_ASA_does /> |
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==Annual meetings== |
==Annual meetings== |
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The annual ASA meeting features speakers and workshops connected to a broad theme important to the field. The |
The annual ASA meeting features speakers and workshops connected to a broad theme important to the field. The 2022 meeting will be held from November 3-6 in [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]] under the theme of "The Roof is on Fire."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/annual-meeting/years-meeting |title=This Year's Meeting |author=American Studies Association |year=2018 |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> Recent meetings have been held in [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]]; [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], [[Puerto Rico]]; [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]]; [[Atlanta, Georgia]]; [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]; [[Denver]], [[Colorado]]; [[Toronto]], [[Canada]]; [[Los Angeles]], [[California]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/annual-meeting/ |title=Annual Meeting |author=American Studies Association |year=2017 |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theasa.net/annual-meeting/about-meeting/future-annual-meetings |title=Future Annual Meetings |author=American Studies Association |year=2019 |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> |
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==Prizes and grants== |
==Prizes and grants== |
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The ASA awards a number of prizes and grants including:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/prizes_and_grants/ |title=Prizes and Grants |author=American Studies Association |year=2014 | |
The ASA awards a number of prizes and grants including:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/prizes_and_grants/ |title=Prizes and Grants |author=American Studies Association |year=2014 |access-date=January 4, 2014}}</ref> |
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*[[Constance Rourke]] Prize for the best article in ''American Quarterly'' |
*[[Constance Rourke]] Prize for the best article in ''American Quarterly'' |
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*Wise-Susman Prize for the best student paper at the annual meeting |
*Wise-Susman Prize for the best student paper at the annual meeting |
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*Carl Bode-[[Norman Holmes Pearson]] Prize for outstanding contributions to American Studies. |
*Carl Bode-[[Norman Holmes Pearson]] Prize for outstanding contributions to American Studies. |
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== |
== Boycott of Israeli academic institutions == |
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{{main|American Studies Association's boycott of Israel}} |
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In December 2013, members of the ASA voted to join the [[Academic boycott of Israel|boycott of all Israeli educational institutions]].<ref name=ASA_December2013_announcement>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/from_the_editors/item/asa_members_vote_to_endorse_academic_boycott/ |title=ASA Members Vote to Endorse Academic Boycott |author=American Studies Association |date=December 16, 2013 |accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref> This followed a similar vote taken in April 2013 by the [[Association for Asian American Studies]] (AAAS) to boycott Israeli universities and academic institutions in response to calls from Palestinian civil-society organizations, such as [[trade unions]], [[NGOs]], religious organizations, and student groups.<ref>{{cite news |author=Maya Shwayder |date=December 16, 2013|url=http://www.jpost.com/International/US-scholars-group-votes-in-favor-of-academic-boycott-of-Israel-335178 |title=US scholars' group votes in favor of academic boycott of Israel|work=Jerusalem Post |location=Jerusalem|accessdate=December 22, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Curtis Marez">{{cite web |url=http://chronicle.com/blogs/conversation/2013/12/31/in-defense-of-an-academic-boycott-of-israel/ |title=In Defense of an Academic Boycott of Israel |author=Curtis Marez |publisher=[[Chronicle of Higher Education]] |date=December 31, 2013 |accessdate=January 4, 2014}}</ref> |
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In a statement on the boycott, ASA's National Council encouraged members to vote in support of the boycott because of "Israel's violation of international law and UN resolutions; the documented impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian scholars and students; [and] the extent to which Israeli institutions of higher education are a party to state policies that violate human rights."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theasa.net/from_the_editors/item/council_statement_on_the_academic_boycott_of_israel_resolution/ |title=Council Statement on the Academic Boycott of Israel |publisher=American Studies Association |date=December 4, 2013 |accessdate=January 1, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318095635/http://www.theasa.net//from_the_editors//item//council_statement_on_the_academic_boycott_of_israel_resolution// |archivedate=March 18, 2014 }}</ref> Some faculty, however, have objected that it is inappropriate for senior administrators to publicly position their college or university on an issue that faculty believe is one of academic freedom.<ref name="Elizabeth Redden">{{cite web |url=http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/01/02/presidents-denounce-academic-boycott-israel-some-campuses-faculty-and-presidents |title=Boycott Battles |author=Elizabeth Redden |publisher=[[Inside Higher Ed]] |date=January 2, 2014 |accessdate=January 4, 2014}}</ref> |
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After a ten-day online voting period, the resolution passed with 66.05 percent of voting members endorsing the boycott, 30.5 percent voting against it, and 3.43 percent abstaining.<ref name=Shapiro2013>{{cite web |url=http://jewishtimes.com/american-studies-association-passes-academic-boycott-of-israel/ |title=American Studies Association Passes Academic Boycott of Israel |publisher=[[The Baltimore Jewish Times]] |author=Marc Shapiro |date=December 19, 2013 |accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref> |
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The boycott has since been joined by the [[Native American and Indigenous Studies Association]], the [[African Literature Association]], the [[Critical Ethnic Studies Association]], and the [[National Women's Studies Association]].<ref name=NYT_2013-12-27>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/27/education/academic-leaders-denounce-israel-boycott.html |title=Prominent Scholars, Citing Importance of Academic Freedom, Denounce Israeli Boycott |author=Tamar Lewin |publisher=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 26, 2013 |accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Reddenlawsuit2016>{{cite web |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/04/21/lawsuit-targets-american-studies-associations-stance-israel-academic-boycott |title=Israel Boycott Battle Heads to Court |publisher=[[Inside Higher Ed]] |author=Elizabeth Redden |date=April 21, 2016 |accessdate=July 13, 2017}}</ref> Organizations that have voted against similar resolutions include the [[American Anthropological Association]]<ref>[https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/06/07/anthropology-group-rejects-resolution-boycott-israeli-academic-institutions Anthropology Group Won't Boycott Israel] by Elizabeth Redden, ''Inside Higher Ed'', June 7, 2016.</ref> and the [[Modern Language Association]].<ref>http://www.jpost.com/BDS-THREAT/US-academic-group-overwhelmingly-rejects-BDS-496948</ref> |
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===Criticism=== |
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Israeli officials and the [[Anti-Defamation League]] reacted by stating that political and academic debates should not be mixed and accused the ASA of discrimination against Israel and "Orwellian [[antisemitism]]",<ref name="Shapiro2013" /> a charge denied by supporters of the boycott such as [[George Bisharat]],<ref>[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-30/opinion/ct-academic-boycott-of-israel-oped-0130-20140130_1_academic-boycott-double-standard-israeli-academic-institutions Applause for the academic boycott of Israel] by George Bisharat, ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', January 30, 2014.</ref> [[David Lloyd (academic)|David Lloyd]] and [[Colin Dayan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://electronicintifada.net/content/nightmare-hidden-within-liberal-zionism/13029 |title=The nightmare hidden within liberal Zionism |author=David Lloyd |publisher=[[The Electronic Intifada]] |date=December 21, 2013 |accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2013/12/asa-boycott-israelpalestineacademia.html |title=Why I support the ASA boycott of Israeli academic institutions |author=Colin Dayan |publisher=[[Al Jazeera America]] |date=December 22, 2013 |accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref> The Israeli ambassador to the US, Ron Dermer, stated, "Rather than standing up for academic freedom and human rights by boycotting countries where professors are imprisoned for their views, the A.S.A. chooses as its first ever boycott to boycott Israel, the sole democracy in the Middle East, in which academics are free to say what they want, write what they want and research what they want."<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/17/education/scholars-group-endorses-an-academic-boycott-of-israel.html?pagewanted=all</ref> [[UCLA]] professor [[Robin D.G. Kelley]] argued that such statements “grossly mischaracterized” the ASA resolution “as an assault on academic freedom. On the contrary, it is one of the most significant affirmative acts any scholarly organization has proposed in defense of academic freedom since the anti-apartheid movement. Palestinian students and faculty living under occupation do not enjoy academic freedom, let alone the full range of basic human rights.”<ref name=Reddenbackingboycott2013>{{cite web |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/12/17/american-studies-association-backs-boycott-israeli-universities |title=Backing the Israel Boycott |publisher=[[Inside Higher Ed]] |author=Elizabeth Redden |date=December 17, 2013 |accessdate=July 13, 2017}}</ref> |
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Senior administrators at over 200 universities have rejected the academic boycott of Israel and four universities withdrawn from the organization: [[Brandeis University]], [[Indiana University]], [[Kenyon College]], and [[Penn State Harrisburg]].<ref name=134members/> Prominent university and college presidents who have publicly condemned the boycott include [[Columbia University]] President [[Lee C. Bollinger]], [[Princeton University]] President [[Christopher L. Eisgruber]], [[New York University]] President [[John Sexton]], [[Amherst College]] President [[Carolyn Martin]], [[University of Rochester]] President [[Joel Seligman]],<ref name=URrebukes>{{Cite web |url=http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/2014/01/01/ur-rebukes-israeli-college-boycott/4281949/ |title=UR rebukes Israeli college boycott |author=James Goodman |publisher=[[Democrat and Chronicle]] |date=January 2, 2014 |accessdate=January 4, 2014}}</ref> [[MIT]] President [[L. Rafael Reif]], [[Wesleyan University]] President [[Michael S. Roth]],<ref name=USacademia/><ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/19/opinion/la-oe-roth-academic-boycott-israel-20131219 Boycott of Israeli universities: A repugnant attack on academic freedom] by Michael S. Roth, ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', December 19, 2013.</ref> [[Bard College]] President [[Leon Botstein]],<ref name=backlashagainst/> [[Case Western Reserve University]] President [[Barbara Snyder]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cwru-daily.com/news/leaderships-statement-on-academic-boycotts/ |title=Leadership’s statement on academic boycotts |date=December 26, 2013 |accessdate=December 26, 2013}}</ref> [[Boston University]] president [[Robert A. Brown]], Oberlin College President Marvin Krislov, and [[Harvard University]] President [[Drew Gilpin Faust]].<ref name="Elizabeth Redden"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/International/92-universities-reject-academic-boycott-of-Israel-336771 |title=92 universities reject academic boycott of Israel |publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=January 1, 2014 |accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Rosenberg, Yair |url=http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/157175/harvard-and-yale-slam-american-studies-association-over-israel-boycott |title=Harvard and Yale Slam American Studies Association Over Israel Boycott |publisher=[[Tablet Magazine]] |date=December 23, 2013 |accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref><ref name=USacademia>[https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/12/25/academic-boycott-israel-sparks-debate-condemnation/2uDef3aEZZB3SABy1YHsgM/story.html US academia split over boycott targeting Israel] by Marcella Bombardieri, ''[[Boston Globe]]'', December 25, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.boston.com/yourcampus/news/mit/2013/12/mit_joins_list_of_campuses_denouncing_us_scholarly_groups_boycott_of_israeli_academic_institutions.html MIT joins list of campuses denouncing US scholarly group's boycott of Israeli academic institutions] by Matt Rocheleau, Boston.com, December 30, 2013.</ref> |
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The [[Association of American Universities]], the [[American Association of University Professors]], and the [[American Council on Education]] have all publicly denounced the boycott as a violation of the academic freedom of not only Israeli but also US scholars as well.<ref name=NYT_2013-12-27 /><ref name=backlashagainst>{{cite web |url=http://chronicle.com/article/Backlash-Against-Israel/143757/ |title=Backlash Against Israel Boycott Puts American Studies Assn. on Defensive |author=Peter Schmidt |publisher=[[Chronicle of Higher Education]] |date=January 2, 2014 |accessdate=January 4, 2014}}</ref> The [[AMCHA Initiative]] maintains an updated list of universities that have terminated their ASA membership, and a list of universities that reject the boycott.<ref>http://www.amchainitiative.org/organizations-universities-condemned-american-studies-associations-academic-boycott-israel/</ref> |
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Some politicians have expressed criticism through [[open letters]] and legislation. Democratic Congressman [[Eliot Engel]] sent a letter to the ASA's president in which he criticized "the unfair double standard Israel is regularly and unfairly subjected to by organizations such as yours."<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/12/23/dozens-of-u-s-universities-reject-academic-boycott-of-israel/ Dozens of universities reject academic boycott of Israel (update)] by Valerie Strauss, ''[[Washington Post]]'', |
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December 23, 2013.</ref> In January 2014, 134 members of [[United States House of Representatives|Congress]] (69 Democrats, 65 Republicans) signed a letter to ASA president Curtis Marez and president-elect Lisa Duggan, which accused the ASA of engaging in a "morally dishonest double standard." The letter stated that: "Like all democracies, Israel is not perfect. But to single out Israel, while leaving relationships with universities in autocratic and repressive countries intact, suggests thinly-veiled bigotry and bias." <ref name=134members>[http://www.jpost.com/International/134-members-of-US-Congress-denounce-ASAs-Israel-boycott-338607 134 members of US Congress denounce ASA’s Israel boycott] by Maya Shwayder, ''[[Jerusalem Post]]'', January 19, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.jewishpress.com/news/congressional-letter-academic-boycott-of-israel-is-thinly-veiled-bigotry/2014/01/10/ Congressional Letter: Academic Boycott of Israel is 'Thinly Veiled Bigotry'] by Lori Lowenthal Marcus, ''[[Jewish Press]]'' January 10, 2014 (updated: January 14th, 2014.)</ref> |
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[[Jeffrey D. Klein|Jeffrey Klein]], a [[New York State Senate]] Co-leader, and Assemblyman [[Dov Hikind]] announced plans introduce a law that will withdraw state funding from colleges maintaining memberships in groups boycotting Israel. In a joint statement, the lawmakers described the ASA boycott as "targeted discrimination against Israel that betrays the values of academic freedom that we hold dear."<ref name=backlashagainst/><ref name=incoming>[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/01/03/incoming-american-studies-association-president-supports-israel-boycott/ Incoming American Studies Association president supports Israel boycott], ''[[Rox News]]'', January 03, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/lawmakers-battle-anti-israel-boycott-university-group-article-1.1560014 State lawmakers battle Israel boycott by university organization American Studies Association] by Kenneth Lovett, ''[[New York Daily News]]'', January 4, 2014.</ref> |
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On January 27, 2014, the New York State Senate, by a vote of 56-4, approved a bill<ref>[http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S6438-2013 Bill S6438-2013] - Prohibits the use of state aid by colleges and universities to fund or provide membership in certain academic institutions</ref> that will ban Universities and colleges from funding organizations that "have undertaken an official action boycotting certain countries or their higher education institutions." The bill's sponsor, [[Jeffrey D. Klein|Jeffrey Klein]] stated that "This legislation sends a very simple message, which is that we should never ask taxpayers to support religious, ethnic or racial discrimination" and further vowed that "I will not allow the enemies of Israel or the Jewish people to gain an inch in New York." In response, ASA president-elect Lisa Duggan described the bill as a thinly veiled attempt to hide Israel’s "ongoing violations of international law and human rights" and asserted that the legislation "let[s] Israel off the hook for restricting the academic and other freedoms of Palestinians, while punishing those who protest those injustices."<ref>[http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/1/29/new-york-senate-passesbillpenalizingacademicgroupforisraelboycot.html New York Senate passes bill penalizing academic group for Israel boycott] by Renee Lewis, ''[[Al Jazeera America]]'', January 29, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/204570/senate-passes-kleins-dont-boycott-israel-bill/ Senate passes Klein’s don’t-boycott-Israel bill] by Casey Seiler, ''Capitol Confidential'', January 28, 2014.</ref> The bill did not pass into law, as the [[New York Assembly]] never voted on this measure, and therefore it was not passed on to the governor.<ref>https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2013/S6438</ref> |
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On January 30, 2014, the [[Philadelphia City Council]] unanimously passed a resolution<ref>[http://www.docstoc.com/docs/166541000/Philadelphia-City-Council-Resolution-Condemning-Academic-Boycott-of-Israelpdf? Resolution No. 140029], Council of the City of Philadelphia.</ref> sponsored by [[Kenyatta Johnson]] which condemned the ASA's boycott of Israel.<ref>[http://www.jewishpress.com/news/the-pro-israel-backlash-to-anti-israel-activity-continues/2014/01/31/ The Pro-Israel Backlash to Anti-Israel Activity Continues] by Lori Lowenthal Marcus, ''[[Jewish Press]]'', January 31, 2014.</ref> |
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Individual academics and commentators have sharply criticized the boycott through [[editorials]] and [[op-eds]]. [[George Mason University]] professor [[David Bernstein (law professor)|David Bernstein]], described the ASA as having moved from, "the ordinary lunatic fringe" into "the racist lunatic fringe,"<ref name=Bernstein>{{cite news|last1=Bernstein|first1=David|title=The American Studies Association doubles down on anti-Israel lunacy|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/03/16/the-american-studies-association-doubles-down-on-anti-israel-lunacy/|accessdate=15 June 2015|publisher=Washington Post|date=16 March 2015}}</ref> and [[Stanley Nider Katz|Stanley N. Katz]] of [[Princeton University]] questioned the practical effect of the resolution, stating that the ASA "lacks any formal ties with Israeli institutions in the first place."<ref name=backlashagainst/> Canadian journalist [[Rex Murphy]] argued that the ASA "seeks to amputate all connection with thousands of other scholars. Not because of the content of those scholars’ ideas, their research, their intelligence, or their field of study. But because they are Israelis. Or teaching and researching in Israel."<ref>[https://nationalpost.com/opinion/rex-murphy-the-failed-boycott-campaign-against-israel/wcm/37fa49e3-f47c-41d8-9837-3d2e90e0564a The failed boycott campaign against Israel] by Rex Murphy, ''[[National Post]]'', January 4, 2014.</ref> |
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In a January 2015 speech to [[Columbia Law School]]'s Center for Law and Liberty, former [[Harvard University]] President [[Lawrence Summers]] said that in response to the ASA boycott, "universities should make clear that their names cannot be invoked as the purported sponsor for conferences or dialogues in which the primary thrust is demonization of Israel.... And it goes without saying that they should not allow themselves to be used as economic leverage against Israel."<ref>Summers, Lawrence H. [http://larrysummers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/AcademicFreedomAndAntiSemitism_FINAL1-2.pdf "Academic Freedom and Anti-Semitism."] ''Lawrence H. Summers''. 29 January 2015. 4 February 2015.</ref> |
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===Response from the ASA=== |
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Curtis Marez, the president of the American Studies Association and an associate professor and chair of the ethnic-studies department at the [[University of California]] at San Diego has responded to critics of the boycott by arguing that the ASA is "targeting Israeli universities because they work closely with the government and military in developing weapons and other technology that are used to enforce the occupation and colonization of Palestinian land, while university-associated think tanks develop political and communications strategies to advance government aims and defend them internationally." He has also predicted that "one day, after the tide turns, boycotts against Israel and the apartheid regime it has instituted will be viewed in the same way" as the [[Academic boycott of South Africa]] during the years of apartheid is now viewed, and that this comparison is especially apt just after the death of [[Nelson Mandela]].<ref name="Curtis Marez"/> |
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Speaking to ''[[The New York Times]]'', Marez argued that America has "a particular responsibility to answer the call for boycott because it is the largest supplier of [[United States military aid to Israel#Military aid and procurement|military aid to the state of Israel.]]" Marez acknowledged that the United States has previously, and is currently, the largest supplier of military aid to many governments, including some with poor human rights records, but explained that Israel is the only country in which "civil society groups" had specifically asked the ASA to launch a boycott. Further responding to accusations that the ASA was singling out Israel while ignoring many other nations that have comparable or even worse human rights records that Israel (including many of Israel's neighbors), Marez replied: "One has to start somewhere."<ref name=scholarsgrouptodisclose>[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/16/us/scholars-group-to-disclose-result-of-vote-on-an-academic-boycott-of-israel.html?_r=0 Scholars’ Group to Disclose Result of Vote on an Academic Boycott of Israel] by Richard Perez-Pena, ''[[New York Times]]'' (online edition), December 15, 2013.</ref> |
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Marez has written on the organization's long-standing commitment to social justice, and the ASA's belief in nonviolent strategies as a tool to effect change. "The academic boycott of Israel," writes Marez, "is grounded in the same anti-discrimination principles as other historical divestment and boycott strategies used to protest repressive state practices, including those employed against the South Africa apartheid regime and racial segregation in the United States." Marez goes on to note that the United States Supreme Court holds these kinds of boycotts, ones which "aim to effect 'political, social, and economic change," to be constitutionally protected speech activities.<ref>http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/29/asa-academic-boycott-israeli/</ref> |
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Additionally, some members of the ASA have linked their support of the boycott to their own studies. [[Angela Davis]], a distinguished professor emerita at the [[University of California, Santa Cruz]], wrote that “[t]he similarities between historical [[Jim Crow]] practices and contemporary regimes of segregation in Occupied Palestine make this resolution an ethical imperative for the ASA.” Professor Eric Cheyfitz of [[Cornell University]], who is Jewish and has a daughter and three grandchildren who are Israeli citizens, wrote that “just as the myth of American exceptionalism seeks to erase the genocide and ongoing [[settler colonialism]] of Indigenous peoples here in the United States so the myth of Israeli exceptionalism seeks to erase Israeli colonialism in Palestine and claim original rights to Palestinian lands.”<ref name="Reddenbackingboycott2013" /> |
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However, eight past ASA presidents have signed a letter which described the boycott as "antithetical to the mission of free and open inquiry for which a scholarly organization stands." The letter also criticized the fact that “ASA Members were provided only the resolution and a link to a website supporting it. Despite explicit requests, the National Council refused to circulate or post to the ASA’s website alternative perspectives."<ref>[http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/12/12/round-lobbying-over-american-studies-vote-israel-boycott#ixzz2ngFjHB1O On the Eve of a Vote] by Elizabeth Redden, ''Inside Higher Ed'', December 12, 2013.</ref> |
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===2016 lawsuit=== |
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In April 2016, four [[American studies]] professors sued the ASA, alleging that the boycott violates Washington, D.C., law governing nonprofit corporations and that the adoption of the boycott violated the ASA’s internal rules and procedures. The lawsuit argues that the resolution falls outside the scope of the ASA’s corporate charter and stated mission, a type of legal argument known as [[ultra vires]].<ref name="Reddenlawsuit2016" /> |
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In April 2017, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. issued a mixed ruling on the lawsuit. The court dismissed the ultra vires claim that the resolution was beyond the ASA’s corporate charter, ruling that “the boycott resolution was aimed both at encouraging academic freedom for Palestinians and strengthening relations between American institutions and Palestinians” and therefore within the ASA’s expressed purposes of “advancing education and the promotion of the study of American culture.”<ref>http://palestinelegal.org/news/2017/4/3/court-dismisses-major-claims-against-american-studies-association</ref> However, the court allowed the additional claims alleging a breach of fiduciary duty and internal voting procedures to continue, and the case has proceeded to discovery.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2017/04/03/federal-judge-advances-lawsuit-challenging-academic-groups-israel-boycott/ Federal judge advances lawsuit challenging academic group’s Israel boycott] by Eugene Kontorovich, "The Washington Post", April 3, 2017.</ref> |
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In December 2013, members of ASA voted to join the [[Academic boycott of Israel|boycott of all Israeli educational institutions]].<ref name=ASA_December2013_announcement>{{cite web |url=http://www.theasa.net/from_the_editors/item/asa_members_vote_to_endorse_academic_boycott/ |title=ASA Members Vote to Endorse Academic Boycott |author=American Studies Association |date=December 16, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}}</ref> It was the first major American scholarly organization to undertake a boycott of Israel.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}} ASA was strongly criticized and four ASA members, aided by the pro-Israeli [[Brandeis Center]], even sued the organization. As of 2020, the boycott is ongoing.<ref name="asa2020sep13">{{cite web | title=What Does the Boycott Mean? | website=ASA | url=https://www.theasa.net/what-does-boycott-mean | access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref> |
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On February 4, 2019, a federal district court in Washington, D.C., granted a motion to dismiss the case without prejudice. A second, related case filed in the state of New York was previously dismissed for "[demonstrating] neither injury nor standing to sue."<ref> {{cite web |url= https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2017/12/12/suit-against-american-studies-group-dismissed |title=Suit Against American Studies Group Dismissed |author=Redden, Elizabeth |year=2017 |publication=Inside Higher Ed |date-accessed=February 4, 2019}} </ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Mid-Atlantic U.S. historical societies}} |
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[[Category:Educational organizations based in the United States]] |
[[Category:Educational organizations based in the United States]] |
Latest revision as of 15:55, 11 May 2023
Abbreviation | ASA |
---|---|
Formation | 1951 |
Type | Non-profit organization |
Purpose | Learned society |
Headquarters | Washington D.C., United States |
Fields | American Studies, Ethnic Studies, African American Studies, Asian American Studies, Latino/a Studies, Native American Studies, and many other fields |
President | Shana Redmond |
Executive-Director | Scott Kurashige |
Affiliations | American Council of Learned Societies, National Humanities Alliance |
Website | theasa |
The American Studies Association (ASA) is a scholarly organization founded in 1951.[1] It is the oldest scholarly organization devoted to the interdisciplinary study of U.S. culture and history. The ASA works to promote meaningful dialogue about the United States of America, throughout the U.S. and across the globe. Its purpose is to support scholars and scholarship committed to original research, innovative and effective teaching, critical thinking, and public discussion and debate.
The ASA consists of almost 5,000 individual members along with 2,200 library and other institutional subscribers.[2] It publishes the journal American Quarterly at Johns Hopkins University Press. The concerns and activities of the organization are international in scope.
History
The American Studies Association was founded for purposes of
- the promotion of the study of American culture through the encouragement of research, teaching, publication, the strengthening of relations among persons and institutions in this country and abroad devoted to such studies, and the broadening of knowledge among the general public about American culture in all its diversity and complexity.[3]
American studies departments, programs, and centers exist around the world.[4]
Officers and governance
Past Presidents of the ASA include Carl Bode (1951–52), Daniel J. Boorstin (1969), Daniel Aaron (1972–73), William H. Goetzmann (1974–75), Janice Radway (1998–99). Recent presidents have included: Curis Marez, Lisa Duggan, David Roediger, Robert Warrior, Kandice Chuh, Roderick Ferguson, and Scott Kurashige (2019-2020).
Membership
Membership is available to any individual with an interest in the study of American culture. Colleges, universities, museums, foundations, societies and other institutions can also be members of the ASA.[5]
Chapters
The ASA includes thirteen chapters:[6]
- The American Studies Association of Texas
- The California American Studies Association
- The Chesapeake American Studies Association
- The Eastern American Studies Association
- The Great Lakes American Studies Association
- The Hawaii American Studies Association
- The Kentucky-Tennessee American Studies Association
- The Mid-America American Studies Association
- The New England American Studies Association
- The New York Metro American Studies Association
- The Pacific Northwest American Studies Association
- The Rocky Mountain American Studies Association
- The Southern American Studies Association
Publications
The ASA regularly produces several publications including:
- The American Quarterly (AQ): Published in March, June, September, and December, the Journal's essays engage with important issues in American studies. It is available online to ASA members and through Project MUSE and JSTOR.[5]
- The ASA E-Newsletter: Published quarterly, this newsletter provides information on programs, publications and opportunities relevant to ASA members, while aiming to promote a broader awareness of the challenges facing the American Studies Community.[5]
- The Encyclopedia of American Studies: An online database featuring over 750 searchable articles. The ASA claims that the "Encyclopedia of American Studies is the leading reference work for the field."[5]
Annual meetings
The annual ASA meeting features speakers and workshops connected to a broad theme important to the field. The 2022 meeting will be held from November 3-6 in New Orleans, Louisiana under the theme of "The Roof is on Fire."[7] Recent meetings have been held in Honolulu, Hawaii; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Baltimore, Maryland; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; Toronto, Canada; Los Angeles, California.[8][9]
Prizes and grants
The ASA awards a number of prizes and grants including:[10]
- Constance Rourke Prize for the best article in American Quarterly
- Wise-Susman Prize for the best student paper at the annual meeting
- Yasuo Sakakibara Prize for the best paper presented by a scholar at the annual meeting
- Ralph Henry Gabriel Prize for the best dissertation in American Studies
- Lora Romero First Book Publication Prize
- John Hope Franklin Best Book Publication Prize
- Angela Y. Davis Prize for public scholarship
- Mary C. Turpie Prize for teaching, advising and program development in American Studies
- Carl Bode-Norman Holmes Pearson Prize for outstanding contributions to American Studies.
Boycott of Israeli academic institutions
In December 2013, members of ASA voted to join the boycott of all Israeli educational institutions.[11] It was the first major American scholarly organization to undertake a boycott of Israel.[citation needed] ASA was strongly criticized and four ASA members, aided by the pro-Israeli Brandeis Center, even sued the organization. As of 2020, the boycott is ongoing.[12]
References
- ^ American Studies Association. "ASA History". Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- ^ American Studies Association (2013). "What the ASA Does". American Studies Association. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
- ^ "Constitution and Bylaws ARTICLE I: Name and Object". American Studies Association. 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
- ^ Mark Rice. "Cartographies of American Studies". Retrieved January 1, 2014.
- ^ a b c d American Studies Association (2014). "What the ASA Does". Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ American Studies Association (2014). "Chapters". Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ American Studies Association (2018). "This Year's Meeting". Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- ^ American Studies Association (2017). "Annual Meeting". Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- ^ American Studies Association (2019). "Future Annual Meetings". Retrieved February 3, 2019.
- ^ American Studies Association (2014). "Prizes and Grants". Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ American Studies Association (December 16, 2013). "ASA Members Vote to Endorse Academic Boycott". Retrieved January 1, 2014.
- ^ "What Does the Boycott Mean?". ASA. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
External links
- Native American and Indigenous Studies Association
- Official site
- Website of American Quarterly
- Kentucky-Tennessee American Studies Association Records, 1958-1998, Tennessee State Library and Archives.