The controversy surrounding a job posting for a 'Palestinian Studies' professor at CUNY Hunter College has sparked criticism from several state lawmakers, including socialist assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. Critics viewed the posting as one that would facilitate the propagation of antisemitic views against Israel. Following intervention from Governor Kathy Hochul, CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez retracted the job posting. In response, Mamdani and others argued that this move stifled academic freedom and expressed concern about the bias against pro-Palestinian perspectives within the institution.
Critics immediately blasted the alarming job description, saying it was for a post that would allow the peddling of antisemitism against the Jewish state of Israel and was akin to courses offered in the Nazi-era, which ascribed all the world's crimes to the Jewish population.
In a letter co-signed by Mamdani and other DSA lawmakers, they accused CUNY Chancellor Rodriguez of caving to pressure from Gov. Hochul and undermining academic freedom.
The letter asserted, 'There is right now a widespread perception that you have been acting with bias against those advocating for the human rights of Palestinians,' calling attention to the ongoing tension surrounding the issue.
This incident illustrates a broader concern among critics that freedom of speech is increasingly compromised, particularly when it comes to discussions on Palestine and related issues.
Collection
[
|
...
]