Both the University and the participants in the Palestine Solidarity Movement Conference should be commended for maintaining a high level of civility and respect at this weekend’s events. Because of their strict attention to protocol and level-headed responses to potential problems, everyone who attended the conference remained safe and was able to enjoy the event.
The University prepared far in advance to field inquiries through an extensive web site dedicated solely to the conference. They did not just make a plan, however; they followed through with it.
University officials like Todd Olsen, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Spokesperson Erik Smulson clearly articulated what the conference’s protocol would be—and rightly enforced it even when there was resistance. During the opening speech, university officials explained that in open forum situations, attendees could ask a question and expect an answer, but no more. When one Jewish Defense League member became unruly, yelling so loudly that other questions could not be heard, university officials reminded him of the protocol, then had DPS officers remove him when he failed to comply. The University showed itself unafraid to comply with its policy, and sent a message to potential offenders that such behavior would not be tolerated. This simple act may have gone a long way in preventing further disruptions.
The organizers of the conference also showed adaptability and wisdom in dealing with the Jewish Defense League. A number of JDL members registered to table in the ICC as a fake organization called “Palestinians are people, too.” Although the tables in the Bunn Intercultural Center were set up for pro-Palestinian groups to distribute information, the organizers of the conference allowed them to remain there throughout the weekend. They wisely chose to allow the JDL table to remain in the ICC Galleria. Forcing the group to leave could have provoked more disruptive action; the organizers did well to prevent this situation.
In the past, controversial speakers have created disturbances at Georgetown. Just last semester, several Law Center students inappropriately disrupted a speech by Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez. The events of this past weekend show that with proper planning, adaptability, and leadership, the University can be a viable forum for important but contentious events such as the PSM conference.
