"Also, last spring, Kao allegedly made "off-topic" remarks including about "the conflict in Israel and Gaza, an expression of solidarity with a protest happening outside the classroom, Google's business dealings with Israel, UC's investment in companies that themselves invest in companies that 'supply bombs,' and calls for solidarity with those in Gaza and to 'Free Palestine,'" executive vice chancellor and provost Benjamin Hermalin wrote in his letter recommending that Kao be suspended."
""Mr. Kao drew attention to his hunger strike in class and informed the students how they could find out why he was engaging in it. In addition, the visible physical toll it presumably was taking and the adverse consequences it may have had on the quality of his instruction all represent a form of advocacy, albeit nonverbal," Hermalin wrote."
"Hermalin ultimately determined that Kao violated a Board of Regents policy requiring that instructors only discuss content relevant to the course in session during class time. With his comments and actions, Kao "misused the classroom for the purpose of political advocacy," Hermalin wrote. Kao will be suspended for six months, starting Jan. 1."
Peyrin Kao, a lecturer in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, participated in a 38-day hunger strike this fall to protest technology use he described as contributing to Israel's actions in Gaza. He allegedly told students he was on a "starvation diet" and directed them to his website for information. Last spring he allegedly made off-topic remarks about the Israel-Gaza conflict, corporate ties, and calls to "Free Palestine." University officials concluded Kao violated a Board of Regents policy limiting classroom discussion to course-relevant content and determined his actions misused the classroom for political advocacy.
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