Dear colleagues,

As current members of the MLA French 17th-Century Forum Executive Committee, we write to explain why we have not yet circulated, and do not plan to circulate, CFPs the 2026 Toronto Conference. Instead, we are outlining our response to the MLA Executive Council’s recent actions.

We join our voices to oppose the MLA Executive Council’s refusal in January 2025 to allow for an open debate of MLA Resolution 2025-1 calling for the endorsement of the 2005 Palestinian BDS Call. The MLA Executive Council’s decision not to forward the resolution to the Delegate Assembly for consideration runs counter to the organization’s long-held mission and values, particularly its commitments to academic freedom and shared governance. We recognize and support the authors of the Resolution 2025-1 and the colleagues who have issued statements of resignation and/or in...