Story perspectives

Open University Faces Backlash for Censoring 'Ancient Palestine'

3/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES) criticized the Open University for removing the term 'ancient Palestine' after pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).
BRISMES says the move undermines academic freedom and risks external lobbying.
The Open University says the term was historically valid but will not appear in future content due to sensitivities.
Critics call it censorship of Palestinian narratives, while UKLFI says it addresses distortion.

1 of 1

Story summary

The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES) criticized the Open University for removing the term 'ancient Palestine' after pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).
BRISMES says the move undermines academic freedom and risks external lobbying.
The Open University says the term was historically valid but will not appear in future content due to sensitivities.
Critics call it censorship of Palestinian narratives, while UKLFI says it addresses distortion.