Reaffirming ICA's Core Principles in Response to the "Cape Town Declaration"
In light of the events at ICA26 and the "Cape Town Declaration" that emerged from it, we, the 24 undersigned ICA past presidents, feel compelled to remind the members of the Association of the values that are central to our organizational culture. These principles include a commitment to:
● Academic freedom, freedom of expression, and democratic process
● Open and free scholarly exchange
● Inclusion, diversity, equity, and access – all in respect for human diversity
● A safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for scholars, free from discrimination and harassment, as stated in ICA's Code of Ethics and Conference Code of Conduct.
As scholars and citizens, we are deeply concerned about the dire situation of our colleagues in Gaza and the destruction of higher education infrastructure there and elsewhere in the world. We appreciate the efforts of ICA leadership and members in supporting our Palestinian colleagues.
However, we believe that the demands stated in the "Cape Town Declaration" are fundamentally irreconcilable with the values ICA has upheld for so many years.
As a scholarly association, ICA does not discriminate against members or conference participants on the basis of nationality or institutional affiliation. It does not hold members accountable for the actions of their governments or universities. And it does not prescribe what political views its members and conference participants must hold, nor dictate what they may or should express publicly.
ICA is a scholarly community that welcomes every communication researcher who supports the association's core principles, regardless of nationality, institutional affiliation, political views, or other markers of difference. It does so in recognition of the association's culturally diverse membership.
We often disagree on matters of academic and political significance. But we settle those disagreements through conversation and debate. We treat each other with civility and respect.
We welcome continued conversations with all ICA members about Gaza and the destruction of higher education in the region and elsewhere in the world. We ask that these conversations align with the principles stated above.
Peng Hwa Ang (ICA President 2016-2017)
Patrice M. Buzzanell (2008-2009)
Joseph N. Capella (2000-2001)
Noshir Contractor (2022-2023)
Francois Cooren (2010-2011)
Robert T Craig (2003-2004)
Terry Flew (2019-2020)
Paula Gardner (2017-2018)
Howard Giles (1998-1999)
Larry Gross (2011-2012)
Thomas Hanitzsch (2025-2026)
Francois Heinderyckx (2013-2014)
Amy Jordan (2015-2016)
Eun-Ju Lee (2023-2024)
Peter Monge (1997-1998)
Jon F. Nussbaum (2005-2006)
Linda L. Putnam (1999-2000)
Ronald E. Rice (2006-2007)
Cynthia Stohl (2012-2013)
Peter Vorderer (2014-2015)
Claes de Vreese (2020-2021)
Silvio Waisbord (2024-2025)
Ellen Wartella (1992-1993)
Barbie Zelizer (2009-2010)
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François Cooren
Professor
Université de Montréal
Outremont QC
Canada
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