STUDENT SENATE RESOLUTION 2013-XXXX TITLE: Resolution Condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement AUTHORS: Senator

Hadar Arazi, Allocations Chairman Davis Bean, Former Senator Sydney Kaplan, Former Senator Taylor Parker, and External Communications Director Avia Gridi, Senator Michael Christ. SPONSORS: Student Body President Christina Bonarrigo, Senate President Cory Yeffet, Senator Corbin Emerson, Senator Bradley Bean, Senator Mitch Wilson, Rules and Ethics Chairman Dylan Fisher, Senator Destiny Goede, Senator Erin Smith. WHEREAS, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement calls for the eradication of all international monetary partnerships with the State of Israel as stated on the official website of the Palestinian BDS National Committee [http://www.bdsmovement.net/call], We, representatives of Palestinian civil society, call upon international civil society organizations and people of conscience all over the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel similar to those applied to South Africa in the apartheid era. We appeal to you to pressure your respective states to impose embargoes and sanctions against Israel; and, WHEREAS, Israel and the United States face similar challenges in the Middle East, and as Israels ally it is important for the United States to continue to foster and enhance the strategic relationship between the US and Israel; and, WHEREAS, the University of Florida currently has 20 study abroad programs in Israel with eight different universities; and, WHEREAS, this includes three foreign exchange programs with Israel, which provide a unique educational experience for many students who participate in them; and, WHEREAS, the University of Florida currently has six Hebrew language, literature, and culture classes taught by Israeli professors; and, WHEREAS, the University of Florida is a PepsiCo sponsored campus; and, WHEREAS, PepsiCo is a partner of Strauss Group, an Israeli food manufacturer; and, WHEREAS, in order to fully support and implement the BDS Movement, the University of Florida would have to terminate its 20 study abroad programs, three foreign exchange programs, and its six Hebrew language, literature, and culture classes, in addition to its partnership with PepsiCo, among all other partnerships between Israel and the University of Florida; then, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the University of Florida Student Senate condemns the BDS Movement; and,

THEREFORE, LET IT FINALLY BE RESOLVED, that the University of Florida Student Senate does not support legislation that will further the BDS Movement and harm the University of Florida, and instead, encourages the University to continue to build upon its partnership with the State of Israel. Proviso: A copy of legislation will be sent to the University Of Florida Board Of Trustees, All members of the Florida House and Senate, U.S. Congressman Ted Yoho, U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson. U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and U.S. Congresswoman Ileana RosLehtinen.