An Open Letter Concerning Carleton University’s Support for the Jewish National Fund
Dear President Runte, Ms. Samson-Verreault, and Professor Kelly,
On October 5 and 22, 2011 the Ottawa Citizen carried advertisements from the Jewish National Fund (JNF) of Ottawa, announcing its 2011 Negev Dinner on November 8. These advertisements noted that President Runte will be an "honorary co-chair" of the event, and listed Carleton University amongst the "proud supporters." Additionally, we have discovered that Carleton University was also a supporter of the 2009 JNF Ottawa Negev Dinner, which was actually held on March 22, 2010. We write out of great concern that Carleton University, and Dr. Runte as its president, are supporting the activities of the Jewish National Fund. In that there is documented evidence of the JNF’s long history of engaging in ethnic discrimination, supporting and aiding ethnic cleansing, and collaborating in war crimes committed by Israel, Carleton University should not support the activities of such an organization. We are also concerned that continued support will harm Carleton’s reputation in the larger community and thus negatively impact the university’s capacity to undertake worthy ventures.
Therefore, we ask that you withdraw Carleton's support for the November 8 Negev Dinner, including the President's participation, and make this known to the entire Carleton community. Secondly, we would like to know what kinds of support Carleton University has provided to the JNF, including but not limited to support for that organization’s Negev dinners. Underpinning these requests is our serious concern with the lack of transparency and accountability related to policies and processes by which sponsorship, support and endorsement decisions are made for organizations, events and activities. In light of this concern, we also would like to know what policies and processes were followed in deciding that Carleton University would become a supporter of the JNF, and under whose authority that decision was rendered.
Sincerely,
[Insert Name Here]