Abstract:
SIGNIFICANCE :
Invited to respond, we write here not to rebut every argument advanced in the provocation piece ‘Should
our universities respond to geopolitical conflicts around the world?’. This would presuppose alignment with
the issues raised as the only ones germane to questions of academic neutrality in the face of injustice of
genocidal proportions. Rather, we probe assumptions we consider central to the ethical responsibilities
of South African universities when faced with immense human suffering. Rather, we ask: what is the cost
of silence to our society and academic communities if, as once beneficiaries of global outrage and action
against apartheid, we now comfortably look on so as not to be seen as taking sides?
