Scholar and Artists Reject Honorary Degrees Over Israeli Ties

Professor Kerby Miller, an authority on Irish emigration, has become the third individual to decline an honorary doctorate from the University of Galway due to its association with an Israeli institution. Miller made this announcement during an event on the university’s campus on September 27, 2023, expressing concerns over the institution’s research collaboration with the Technion Institute of Technology, which is linked to Israel’s military operations.

Miller was slated to be honored for his contributions to the creation of the university’s Imirce digital archive, a significant collection of emigrant letters spanning over 300 years. Speaking on the matter, Brendan MacSuibhne, an established Professor of Modern Irish History who collaborated with Miller, remarked that it is telling that a scholar of Miller’s stature is compelled to turn down the award. “This speaks volumes about the university’s current standing and its relationship with institutions that have troubling associations,” he stated.

Earlier in the week, acclaimed actor Olwen Fouéré and filmmaker Margo Harkin also withdrew from the award ceremony, which was meant to celebrate nine distinguished recipients in various fields, including arts and public life. Both women cited their opposition to the university’s ties with the Technion Institute, which is known for its collaborations with Israel’s arms industry. Fouéré, who was to receive a Doctor of Arts for her extensive contributions to theatre, film, and television, expressed her initial excitement over the honor.

In her statement, Fouéré acknowledged the university’s proximity to her heart, particularly due to the presence of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, which has been active in promoting justice in Palestine. She voiced her concern about the university’s contract with Technion, which was signed in December 2024 amid ongoing violence in Gaza.

“The research partnership with the Technion Institute of Technology is extremely problematic,” Fouéré noted, emphasizing the institute’s involvement in developing military technology that has been used against Palestinian civilians. This includes the D9 bulldozer, notorious for demolishing homes in both Gaza and the West Bank, as well as an acoustic system designed to create unbearable sound levels for humans.

Fouéré further highlighted the university community’s calls to sever ties with the Technion, which she described as having been met with “avoidance, delay, and legal obfuscation.” After careful consideration, she concluded that refusing the honorary degree would send a stronger message regarding her stance on the university’s current direction.

In response to the growing discontent, the university acknowledged its contractual obligations concerning the €3.9 million ASTERISK project, which focuses on extracting hydrogen from seawater and is co-funded by the European Union. Interim president Peter McHugh stated that the project was approved before the initiation of a human rights impact assessment, which has not yet been made public due to legal advisement.

The university reiterated its commitment to exploring future collaborations but emphasized that the ongoing partnership with Technion must continue based on existing legal frameworks. The human rights assessment process has faced delays, and McHugh noted that it should not be relied upon without formalized university policy.

The rejection of honorary degrees has sparked renewed attention to the university’s policies and partnerships. Earlier this week, activist and Aosdána member Margaretta D’Arcy, along with filmmaker Lelia Doolan, returned their honorary degrees in protest of similar concerns regarding the university’s research links.

As the University of Galway navigates these controversies, it faces the challenge of balancing academic partnerships with ethical responsibilities to its community and broader global concerns. The situation underscores the complexities institutions face in an increasingly interconnected world, where academic collaborations can have far-reaching implications.