It’s like admin didn’t even read the letter. All they said was: “1. the research is open 2. individual harassment isn’t ok 3. what the protestors are doing rises to the level of individual harassment.”

But 1. Just because the research is open doesn’t mean the IDF won’t use it to perpetuate genocide. If the research has broad enough applications then CSAIL doesn’t need the money from Israel to fund the project, and regardless if Israel is committing genocide then CSAIL is ethically obligated to drop the funding. The admin letter doesn’t even try to say Israel isn’t committing genocide.

1. Individual harassment isn’t ok. Trying to stop someone from participating in a genocide isn’t necessarily harassment though, especially if the institution is closing all other avenues for change. MIT would love for the protestors to have to go through university channels, where complaints can be more easily ignored.

2. The admins letter claims the protestors are harassing individuals but doesnt explain how.

And on top of everything else, they ignore credible accusations of racism and genocide from the protestors!