In the dystopian novel “1984,” George Orwell depicts a regime that manipulates language to control thought. By eliminating language of dissent and rebellion, this regime replaces plain language with “Newspeak” to make opposition to the social and political structure unthinkable and therefore impossible.
Alarmingly, the University of Colorado Board of Regents seems to have taken a page from Orwell’s playbook with its resolution adopted June 20, which misrepresents the Arabic word “intifada” and stifles free expression and academic freedom. The resolution responded to alleged calls for intifada made during demonstrations outside the homes of CU regents. The protests were organized by the Students for a Democratic Society, and demanded CU divest from corporations with ties to Israel.
The regents’ resolution inaccurately and contentiously defines “intifada” as a call for “violence and murder against the Jewish people,” labeling it as “antisemitic” and “racist.” This mischaracterization is not only factually incorrect but also dangerous, as it threatens First Amendment protections and undermines the CU community’s academic freedom.
We, as faculty and as members of CU Boulder’s chapter of Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine, urge the board to retract this resolution and correct these misrepresentations.
“Intifada” translates to “uprising” or “shaking off” and is used in various contexts across the Arabic-speaking world. Notably, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum uses “intifada” in its Arabic translation of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. In the Palestinian context, “intifada” refers to resistance against Israeli military occupation, including the predominantly nonviolent First Intifada (1987-93). This historical and cultural context is well-documented in scholarly works on Israel-Palestine, and there is nothing inherently antisemitic about the term.
Beyond its factual inaccuracies, the board’s condemnation of using the term “intifada” has a chilling effect on free speech and academic freedom at CU. The resolution claims to support free speech, but cautions that such speech “does not protect the speaker from judgment by the public.” The board are not members of the public passing judgment. They are a regulatory body “charged constitutionally with the general supervision of the university and the exclusive control and direction of all funds of and appropriations to the university.”
Resolutions passed by the board guide university policy, and as such must uphold First Amendment rights. The Regents’ statement fails to do so, instead implying that there will be consequences for use of the term “intifada.” This creates an environment of fear and self-censorship, which undermines the CU System’s “core principle of free inquiry and discourse” and the “right to free expression” for all university members.
Moreover, the board’s resolution violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin. The U.S. Department of Education has clarified that Title VI also protects against Islamophobic discrimination. By misrepresenting “intifada” as inherently violent and antisemitic, the board perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims. This discriminatory interpretation is part of a broader nationwide effort to suppress criticism of Israel’s policies by labeling it as antisemitic.
The president of Western Washington University recently made a similar error but chose to rectify the situation with a retraction and an apology. We expect the CU Board of Regents to follow this example by retracting their June 20 resolution. Such a step is essential to maintaining an inclusive and respectful academic environment.
Universities are meant to be bastions of diverse perspectives and robust debate, where language and cultural contexts are respected. The CU Regents are elected by the public to protect an academic environment where academic freedom, dissent and protest are protected, and unpopular views can be expressed freely without the threat of violence or disciplinary action.
The CU Board of Regents must ensure their policies are informed, equitable and lawful. Retracting this resolution is the minimum step necessary to uphold these responsibilities and foster a welcoming academic community for all.
By addressing these concerns, the regents can reaffirm their commitment to accuracy, inclusivity and the principles that underpin the University of Colorado. We urge them to act swiftly and decisively to correct this misstep and uphold the values that should define our educational institutions.
Wadie Said is professor of Law and Dean’s Faculty Fellow at University of Colorado School of Law. Joe Bryan is associate professor of geography at CU Boulder. Beverly Weber is a professor of German Studies at CU. Cheryl Higashida is an associate professor of English at CU.
