Pitzer College's decision to no longer pre-approve its students to study abroad at Haifa University sparked debate about the influence of BDS activists.

University presidents like Melvin Oliver of Pitzer College, Martha Pollack of Cornell, and Mark Schlissel of the University of Michigan have recently pushed back against BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movements on their campuses, defending students' academic freedom and opposing singling out Israel for boycotts.