Scholasticide: Educational Lawfare as a Marker of the End of Civilianness

Abstract

This essay explores the concept of scholasticide—the systematic destruction of educational institutions and targeting of academics—as a dimension of genocide, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Gaza. It situates scholasticide within the broader framework of cultural genocide, tracing its conceptual emergence from Palestinian and international discourse. Drawing parallels with medicide—the targeted destruction of healthcare systems—this essay argues that both practices constitute academic and medical lawfare, strategically deployed to justify attacks on civilian infrastructure. The destruction of Gaza's universities and schools, along with the killing of students and faculty, reflects a deliberate effort to erase Palestinian intellectual life. By analyzing historical and legal precedents, this study underscores the role of scholasticide in dehumanization and settler colonialism, highlighting its implications for international law and human rights.