New York Governor Orders Removal of Palestinian Studies Job Posting
The New York governor, Kathy Hochul, made a decisive move by ordering the City University of New York (CUNY) to promptly remove a job posting for a Palestinian studies professor position at the state university system’s Hunter College. The job listing at Hunter College sought a “historically grounded scholar” who would critically examine issues related to Palestine, including settler colonialism, genocide, human rights, apartheid, migration, climate and infrastructure devastation, health, race, gender, and sexuality. It also expressed openness to various theoretical and methodological approaches to teaching the class.
In response to the controversial job posting, Governor Hochul’s spokesperson conveyed her directive to CUNY to take down the listing and conduct a thorough review of the position to ensure that antisemitic theories are not propagated in the classroom. This action was reinforced by a joint statement from Félix V Matos Rodríguez, the CUNY chancellor, and William C Thompson Jr, chair of the board of trustees, who characterized the language used in the posting as divisive, polarizing, and inappropriate, aligning with the governor’s stance on its removal.
The removal of the job listing, which was part of a Palestinian studies “cluster hire” for two positions, elicited differing reactions. CUNY’s faculty and staff union criticized Governor Hochul’s decision in a letter to her and Rodríguez, asserting that the removal of the job posting infringed upon academic freedom at Hunter College. While condemning antisemitism and hate in all forms, the union deemed the move an overreach of authority that restricted an entire academic field.
### Backlash and Controversy
The CUNY job posting for a Palestinian studies professor ignited swift and intense backlash from Jewish groups and pro-Israel activists, who contended that the language used in the listing was conducive to promoting antisemitism. Organizations like StopAntisemitism labeled the posting as part of an “antisemitic blood libel” at CUNY, underscoring the contentious nature of the discourse surrounding the issue.
This incident at CUNY is situated within a broader context of debates about the intersection of anti-Zionism and antisemitism. Following the campus protests in the US that were triggered by the October 7 attacks and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of Gaza, the academic discipline of Palestinian studies has gained prominence. However, the controversy surrounding the job listing at CUNY has underscored the complexities and sensitivities inherent in discussions surrounding Palestine, Israel, and academic freedom.
### Broader Implications and Ongoing Discussions
The controversies at CUNY have reverberated beyond the university, contributing to larger dialogues about the boundaries between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. The release of a report by Jonathan Lippman, a former state judge, highlighting a concerning number of antisemitic incidents within the CUNY community has further intensified these debates. The report has been interpreted by some as a direct attack on the movement for Palestine, prompting responses from various stakeholders within and outside of the university setting.
As discussions continue to unfold, it is evident that the tensions surrounding academic freedom, political ideologies, and historical narratives are deeply intertwined with personal beliefs, institutional mandates, and societal expectations. The complexities of navigating these issues demand thoughtful reflection, nuanced dialogue, and a commitment to upholding principles of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for differing perspectives.
Stay tuned as the situation at CUNY evolves and new developments shape the ongoing conversations surrounding Palestinian studies, academic freedom, and the broader implications of ideological differences within educational institutions.
