Birzeit University hosts delegation from Pitzer and Claremont McKenna College, United States
On Thursday, May 25, 2023, a delegation from Pitzer College and Claremont McKenna College, California, US, comprising professors and students, visited Birzeit University to learn more about higher education institutions in Palestine.
The delegation met with Birzeit University President Dr. Beshara Doumani, who addressed the challenges facing Palestinian universities in light of settler colonialism and for-profit education.
Dr. Doumani emphasized the significance of academic exchange as a means to break the siege on Palestinian universities. He added, “Although the Israeli occupation imposes severe restrictions on Palestinian universities, we developed strong south south academic relations and partnerships with other parts of the world to conquer geography.”
During the meeting, the delegation inquired about the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and mobility programs available to Palestinian students.
To answer student inquires, Dr. Amir Khalil, director of the External Academic Relations Office, elaborated on partnerships between Birzeit University and American and European universities, emphasizing the interpersonal skills students develop while studying abroad.
Later, the delegation met members of the Right to Education campaign to learn about Israeli violations against Birzeit University students and Israeli directives that isolate Palestinian universities.
Pitzer College professors also held individual meetings with Birzeit University professors to learn more about the academic programs offered at Birzeit University and to explore collaborative research projects.
