Detroit art is vital. Cranbrook, as a degree-granting institution, is at the center of art and design excellence. Now it is also at the center of controversy, according to student discussions. Heavy-handed self-righteousness arrived on campus ten days ago.
On November 4th, the Cranbrook administration, which reportedly has a large Israel-favoring representation, prompted campus police to go through and tear down Palestinian flags, including within personal studios. Simultaneously, an email of warning went out to all students.
This is short-sighted, self-defeating behavior on the part of the college. Sadly, it is more than controversial. Suppression is taking a direct toll on the welfare of students, alumni, and the art itself. Both within the school and through associated galleries. Free speech and assertion of human rights is not antisemitism, no matter anyone’s political desperation.
These aggressive police actions triggered a series of reactions: Student letters expressing their distress and expectations. Manipulative changes to letters after they were signed. Blacklists. Gallery and online withdrawals. A dampening effect on student aspiration and outlook. Call it a little spate of Israeli McCarthyism.
Detroit Art Needs Cranbrook Leadership to Step Up
At every turn, there are frustrated efforts to separate the Palestinians from Hamas. Apparently, Cranbrook doesn’t make any such distinction.
Does Cranbrook have a university board that could make leadership accountable for what is happening on the campus? Of course, that would require truth and transparency. They could start with this truth: Hamas is a terrorist organization, dedicated to the destruction of the state of Israel, and Hamas is not representative of the Palestinian people as a whole.
Israel should not be wantonly killing Palestinians and should not be exercising undue suppression of the rights of students on USA campuses.