(Wall Street Journal) Eugene Kontorovich and Steven Davidoff Solomon - Under corporate law, an organization, including a nonprofit, can do only what is permitted under the purposes specified in its charter. Boycott resolutions that are beyond the powers of an organization are void, and individual members can sue to have a court declare them invalid. The individuals serving on the boards of these organizations may be liable for damages. Consider the American Historical Association. Its constitution - a corporate charter - states that its purpose "shall be the promotion of historical studies" and the "broadening of historical knowledge among the general public." There's nothing in this charter that would authorize a boycott. And an anti-Israel boycott will do nothing to promote "historical studies" or broaden "historical knowledge." A boycott by definition restricts study and research. Eugene Kontorovich is a professor at Northwestern University School of Law. Steven Davidoff Solomon is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
2015-12-02 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive