UC Berkeley launches Palestinian and Arab studies program
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A view of Sather Gate at the UC Berkeley campus in April 25. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images
The University of California, Berkeley is establishing a new Palestinian and Arab studies program, one of a few in the nation.
Why it matters: The program, which the college says is the result of years of planning and philanthropy efforts, comes after pro-Palestinian protests erupted on campus this year and led to student arrests.
Driving the news: The goal of the program, housed in the university's Division of Social Sciences, is to give students the opportunity to "learn freely" about Palestinian and Arab history, cultures, politics and society — not simply as a conflict, per a news release.
- The $3.25 million gift for the program will fund research opportunities and cultural activities under UC Berkeley professor Ussama Makdisi, a longtime scholar of Arab history who will serve as the inaugural chair.
- The program is a direct response to growing interest among students and broader desire for a "deeper understanding of Palestinian history," according to the news release.
What they're saying: "At a time when understanding the complexities of the Middle East is more crucial than ever, this gift" allows the opportunity "to explore important but neglected fields of study; and to build inclusive education," Berkeley social sciences dean Raka Ray said in a statement.
- Makdisi added that it will enable the college to explore the complex history of "a multi-religious Palestine" and connect Palestinian history more deeply to parallel disciplines like Indigenous, Latinx and Black studies.
The big picture: Pro-Palestinian protesters took down their encampment in May after three weeks of demonstrations once they reached an agreement with the UC Berkeley administration.
- Their demands included divestment from Israel, which then-chancellor Carol T. Christ rejected.
- She did say, however, that she supports hearing concerns about the investment of "a targeted list of companies due to their participation in weapons manufacturing, mass incarceration, and/or surveillance industries."
What's next: The program will host its first conference Nov. 12-13 at UC Berkeley, where scholars will discuss how to best teach and learn about Palestinian and Arab history.