The American Studies Association generated an international media storm when it became one of the first US based academic bodies to back academic boycott in a December 2013 vote of its National Council.

The motion passed resolves that „endorses and will honor the call of Palestinian civil society for a boycott of Israeli academic institutions. It is also resolved that the ASA supports the protected rights of students and scholars everywhere to engage in research and public speaking about Israel-Palestine and in support of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement”.

US supporters of Israeli apartheid reacted to the news by trying to introduce bills that sought to remove public funding from academic bodies that endorse BDS.

A growing number of US academic associations are now joining the ASA in supporting academic boycott.