Meet the First Tenured Professor to Be Fired for Pro-Palestine Speech

Finkelstein’s termination followed months of pressure from pro-Israel groups and alumni, who accused her of promoting “pro-Hamas rhetoric” and creating a hostile environment for Jewish students. The controversy escalated after Finkelstein reposted a statement by Palestinian poet Remi Kanazi, which called for action against Zionists. Despite her long tenure and previous support for academic freedom, the college’s administration deemed her actions a violation of its nondiscrimination policies. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has expressed concern over the handling of her case, highlighting issues related to due process and the implications for academic freedom in the context of political speech on college campuses.

Background on the Case

• Academic Freedom and Tenure: Finkelstein’s dismissal is notable as it is believed to be the first instance of a tenured professor being fired specifically for anti-Zionist speech. Tenured professors are generally afforded significant protections, making such a dismissal particularly controversial.

• Pressure Campaign: The college reportedly faced a barrage of complaints and pressure from alumni and other stakeholders, leading to an investigation into Finkelstein’s conduct. This included thousands of emails and a Change.org petition that garnered over 8,000 signatures calling for her removal.

• Investigation and Findings: A third-party investigation concluded that Finkelstein’s reposting of Kanazi’s words constituted a violation of the college’s policies, despite finding that her conduct did not meet the threshold for harassment. The investigation’s findings were contested by Finkelstein, who argued that her speech was mischaracterized and did not target individuals based on their identity.

Implications for Academic Institutions

The firing of Finkelstein raises critical questions about the boundaries of academic discourse, particularly in relation to contentious geopolitical issues. It highlights the growing tension between institutional policies aimed at protecting students and faculty from discrimination and the need for robust protections for free speech in academic settings. The AAUP’s inquiry into the case underscores the importance of maintaining academic freedom, especially in environments where political views can provoke strong reactions.