New York’s Governor Orders College to Remove Palestinian Studies Job Listing
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Order
New York’s governor, Kathy Hochul, has ordered a state school to remove a job posting for a Palestinian studies teaching position, citing concerns that the language used in the posting may promote “antisemitic theories.” The job posting at Hunter College had called for a historian who would “take a critical lens to issues pertaining to Palestine, including but not limited to settler-colonialism, genocide, human rights, apartheid, migration, climate and infrastructure devastation, health, race, gender, and sexuality.”
CUNY’s Response
Following the governor’s order, the City University of New York (CUNY) Board of Trustees agreed to remove the posting and conduct a thorough review of the position to ensure that “antisemitic theories are not promoted in the classroom.” The posting for a “Palestinian Studies Cluster Hire” was marked as expired on Friday.
Campus Free Speech Advocates Criticize Governor’s Intervention
Campus free speech advocates, however, have criticized the governor’s intervention, saying it sets a “terrible precedent” and will undermine academic freedom. “Involving politicians directly in the hiring process will only further politicize decisions and will undermine academic freedom in public universities across the country,” said Robert Shibley, special counsel for campus advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.
Hunter College’s Statement
Hunter College has removed the job listing, and officials have expressed a commitment to hiring a relevant expert in the field. “We find this language divisive, polarizing, and inappropriate and strongly agree with Governor Hochul’s direction to remove this posting,” said Chairperson William C. Thompson Jr. and Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “We will work to tackle antisemitism on our campuses and combat hate in all its forms.”
Conclusion
The debate over the job posting highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding free speech on college campuses, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the governor’s intervention may have been intended to address concerns about antisemitism, it has raised concerns about academic freedom and the role of politicians in shaping educational institutions.
FAQs
* What was the job posting that was removed?
The job posting called for a historian who would “take a critical lens to issues pertaining to Palestine, including but not limited to settler-colonialism, genocide, human rights, apartheid, migration, climate and infrastructure devastation, health, race, gender, and sexuality.”
* Why was the posting removed?
The posting was removed due to concerns that it may promote “antisemitic theories.”
* How did the governor respond to the controversy?
Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the City University of New York to remove the posting and conduct a thorough review of the position to ensure that “antisemitic theories are not promoted in the classroom.”
* What is the response from campus free speech advocates?
Campus free speech advocates have criticized the governor’s intervention, saying it sets a “terrible precedent” and will undermine academic freedom.
* What is the stance of Hunter College?
Hunter College has removed the job listing and has committed to hiring a relevant expert in the field, while working to tackle antisemitism on its campuses.
