The University of Toronto is allowing the Toronto Palestinian Solidarity Conference to be held this weekend, despite the conference organizer’s (a Muslim student group called Al Awda) open support of Palestinian terrorism and denial of Israel’s right to exist: U. of T. allows pro-Palestinian meeting. The conference was originally cancelled because Al Awda planned to require attendees to sign an agreement they call the “Basis of Unity:”

1. We support the Palestinian right of return. It is non-negotiable.

2. A two state solution is not a viable or acceptable option for the Palestinian people.

3. Israel is a racist apartheid state.

4. Our activism is imbued with an anti-colonial feminist practice. [Ed. note: What the hell is this supposed to mean?]

5. We support the right of the Palestinian people to resist Israeli and colonialism by any means of their choosing.

6. Actions that we organize out of this conference will be developed under the framework of respecting a diversity of tactics.

But when Al Awda changed this requirement, the University decided to allow the conference to proceed.

UPDATE: At the Al Awda web site, Palestinian Solidarity Conference organizers boast that they have duped the University, and that attendees will still be forced to sign the “Basis of Unity” document supporting Palestinian terrorism and denying Israel’s right to exist:

The original 6 point basis of unity is then listed on the form, and attendees of the conference are required to sign the form to attend the conference.

The conference organizers feel that this agreement, which was reached after a week of pressuring and negotiating with the University, will achieve our goal of having a successful conference which will provide a safe space for anti-racist, feminist and pro-Palestinian activists and which will also be free of Zionist provocations and disruptions. It is a clear and resounding victory, not only for us, but for all student activists, and it will allow us to carry out our fundamental goals of discussing the criminal activities of the Israeli state and working to build a solidarity movement in support of the Palestinian people here in Toronto.

(Hat tip: Diana M.)

UPDATE: Also see Lee Kaplan’s report on the Palestinian Solidarity Hatefest at Ohio State University.