Last Friday, the American Anthropological Association’s annual business meeting in Washington, DC was packed with more members than any other time in recent memory – over 700. On the agenda was a proposed resolution against boycotting Israeli academic institutions. The atmosphere in the room was electric, as anthropologists from across the profession discussed the boycott and the ongoing violations of Palestinian academic freedom and human rights. Of the 24 members who spoke, three-quarters opposed the resolution, arguing that it was an attempt to shut down a crucial debate. In the end, the effort to prevent the boycott discussion backfired spectacularly: members present overwhelmingly voted down the measure, which mustered a mere 52 supporters.