U.S. Professors Face Disciplinary Action for Supporting Pro-Palestine Movement

 

Several university professors across the U.S. are facing disciplinary measures due to their support for the pro-Palestine movement and their involvement in student-led protests on campuses. These actions have raised concerns about academic freedom and free speech in higher education.

At Columbia University, Katherine Franke, a law professor and director of the Center for Gender and Sexuality Law, is currently under investigation for comments made during an interview earlier this year. She has since filed a complaint against a law firm that dropped her as a client. Franke’s remarks expressed concern about former Israeli soldiers studying at Columbia, stating that many of these students had previously harassed Palestinian students on campus. Two of her colleagues filed complaints, accusing her of creating a hostile environment for Israeli students.

In another case, Maura Finkelstein, a tenured anthropology professor at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, was fired in May over a social media repost supporting Palestine. The post drew a student complaint, and Finkelstein has since appealed her termination.

Similarly, Ruha Benjamin, a professor of African American studies at Princeton University, is under investigation for her pro-Palestinian activism, despite being celebrated for her work and receiving a MacArthur "genius grant."

These incidents highlight a growing trend of universities restricting faculty and student speech surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Ramya Krishnan, a senior attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, expressed concern over the growing number of investigations into professors. "Universities should promote debate, even on controversial issues," Krishnan stated, warning that punishing faculty for private political speech undermines the mission of educational institutions.

Franke’s investigation was triggered after an incident in which pro-Palestinian protesters were sprayed with a chemical on campus. The university later claimed the substance was harmless “fart spray.” The student responsible, a former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier, was suspended and is now suing the university.

These cases have sparked a wider discussion on academic freedom, with critics arguing that universities should not act as "censors" when professors express political views. The tensions around pro-Palestine activism continue to stir debate within academic circles and beyond.