University of Southern Maine Cancels Palestine Conference Amid Controversy

The University of Southern Maine (USM) has revoked access to an on-campus venue for the “Consequence of Palestine” conference, which was scheduled to take place shortly. The decision was made following pressure from local legislators and concerns regarding the participation of Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, who has been under U.S. sanctions since last year. Over 300 participants had registered for the event, prompting organizers, including the Maine Coalition for Palestine and the Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights, to seek alternative venues and consider legal action against the university for what they perceive as a violation of free speech rights.

The Guardian

USM officials cited federal law prohibiting U.S. individuals and entities from providing “goods or services” to sanctioned individuals as the basis for their decision. Samantha Warren, the University of Maine system’s chief external and governmental affairs officer, stated that hosting the conference with a sanctioned speaker would violate federal law. However, this stance contradicts guidance from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which clarified that featuring sanctioned individuals as speakers does not constitute providing a prohibited service, provided they do not receive compensation or assistance.

The Guardian

Xiangnong Wang, a staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute, emphasized that the cancellation reflects the chilling effect of U.S. sanctions on political discourse. He noted that the broad application of these sanctions deters scholars, journalists, and human rights advocates from engaging in discussions involving sanctioned individuals.

The Guardian

Organizers of the conference have expressed their determination to proceed despite the cancellation. Abigail Fuller, a sociology professor at USM, stated that the university's actions suppress free speech, asserting that they have a strong legal case. The organizers had even offered to remove Albanese from the program to comply with university concerns, but were informed that there was insufficient time to assess the event's “risk.”

The Guardian

Fateh Azzam, a member of the Maine Coalition for Palestine, remarked that the controversy surrounding the cancellation has inadvertently increased interest in the conference, suggesting that it may attract even more attendees.

The Guardian

Francesca Albanese, who has been accused by the U.S. government of antisemitism and support for terrorism, has previously denounced the sanctions against her as indicative of U.S. “guilt.” She has consistently rejected the accusations of antisemitism, arguing that they undermine democratic values. Critics of the sanctions, including Wang, argue that they have a detrimental impact on free speech and public debate, effectively silencing discussions on critical issues.

The Guardian

The cancellation of the Palestine conference at the University of Southern Maine highlights the complex interplay between federal sanctions, free speech rights, and academic discourse. As organizers continue to seek alternative venues, the situation raises significant questions about the implications of U.S. sanctions on public discussions surrounding sensitive geopolitical issues.

The Guardian