The presidency of the establishment organized a debate on Thursday morning after the pro-Palestinian mobilizations within the establishment.
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“It was quality and it was the opportunity for everyone to discuss in a school where unfortunately, in recent weeks, everyone was in their own hallway”reacted Jérôme Guedj, socialist deputy for Essonne, after the internal debate within Sciences Po Paris which was shaken by pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
It was a strictly internal debate, reserved for students and employees, which was announced on Friday by management, following several hours of discussions with students mobilized for the Palestinian cause. “I hope that we have reconnected with what should be the spirit of this school, that of debate and peaceful dispute. I hope that we will be able to have the courage of nuance in this school”even if “It’s not win”added Jérôme Guedj, professor and also board member of the Sciences Po institute.
“We cannot defend a cause to the detriment of universality”
After this internal debate, there was a sit-in in the Sciences Po hall and a student on hunger strike. “If there are people who decide to be die-hards?”says Jérôme Guedj. “That students are mobilizing at Sciences Po in solidarity with the Palestinians, I find it perfectly legitimate. In my political commitment, I defend the two-state solution, I am for a ceasefire and the protection of Palestinian civilians.”but “this mobilization cannot create tensions and unease”.
“We heard students say that there are 80 reports of anti-Semitic remarks and situations of discomfort or hostility. We cannot defend a cause to the detriment of universality. There are reports that have been facts, there are investigations underway. There will be referrals to the disciplinary commission and this is legitimate.explains Jérôme Guedj.
“We must defend academic freedom at Sciences Po, freedom of expression as in all universities. I have never called for any ban on gatherings whatsoever at Sciences Po or in other universities.”
Jérôme Guedj, PS deputy for Essonneat franceinfo
There will be exams next week, “I hope that Sciences Po students will not prevent their colleagues from taking their exams and it is the teacher who speaks”. Asked about a possible intervention by the police, Jérôme Guedj replied that he “don’t like the police in universities, it’s really a last resort”. That the students “demonstrate, that they occupy for those who want it” but “I do not recommend that they go on hunger strike, we are in a counterproductive extremism”.