On September 2, 2014, a group called the "AMCHA Initiative" published a list of Professors in the United States they accuse of "Anti-Israel Bias." The statement warns Jewish students to avoid these professors' classes, citing not only their so-called "bias," but also, insidiously, alludes to the possibility of "anti-Semitic rhetoric."

We believe the United States Academy is weakened by these attempts to police intellectuals' convictions and intimidate students and administrators. We also affirm that our positions on Israeli state policies have no bearing on our skill or aptitude as educators committed to teaching our students critical thinking skills in addition to facts. Finally, we reject, in the strongest possible terms, any association of "anti-Semitism" with our nuanced views.

In the wake of the firestorm over the unconstitutional firing of Professor Steven Salita from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign for exercising his right to free speech and freedom of conscience, we, the undersigned academics and interested supporters, affirm that we will stand by our colleagues in any attempt to impinge on their rights, including free speech and employment rights, because of this or any similar initiative.