In recent weeks, controversy has erupted at the City University of New York (CUNY) as four professors came forward with claims that they were unfairly terminated for their support of Palestine. As these professors bravely speak out about their experiences, it has become clear that activism for Palestinian rights is not just a political issue, but a personal one for many CUNY faculty members.
The four professors, whose names have been withheld for their protection, were all either tenured or tenure-track faculty at Brooklyn College. They were let go without any just cause and with little explanation from the administration. However, all four share one common thread – they have been outspoken supporters of Palestinian rights.
For years, CUNY faculty members have been advocating for justice and equality for Palestinians. This is a cause that is deeply important to them, and they have used their positions as educators to raise awareness and educate their students about the ongoing human rights violations in Palestine.
But this commitment to activism has come at a price. These four professors are now facing unemployment, their careers and livelihoods put in jeopardy for simply speaking out against injustices. And while the CUNY administration has not explicitly stated that their support for Palestine was the reason for their termination, it is hard to believe it is mere coincidence considering the timing and the fact that all four professors were involved in Palestine-related activities.
In response to these allegations, CUNY’s chancellor, Felix Matos Rodriguez, faced intense questioning from Congress about the university’s handling of the situation. He denied any political influence in the decisions, but his answers failed to provide any real clarity or reassurance. This has only further fueled the frustrations and fears of CUNY faculty who feel that their academic freedom is being threatened.
But amidst all the controversy and uncertainty, one thing is clear – the terminated professors are not backing down. In fact, they are speaking out even louder and more confidently than ever before. And as they do, they are bringing to light the deep-rooted issues of censorship and suppression of academic freedom within the university.
For these four professors, and many others at CUNY, supporting Palestine is not just a political stance, it is a personal issue. Some have family members or friends who have been directly affected by the ongoing conflict, while others have simply been moved by the injustice and oppression they have witnessed. But all of them have felt a sense of duty to use their platform as educators to educate others about the realities of the situation.
And this duty goes beyond just the four terminated professors – it is shared by many others in the CUNY community. In fact, over 200 faculty members have signed a letter in solidarity with their colleagues, standing against the suppression of academic freedom and reaffirming the importance of advocacy for social justice issues.
But perhaps the most poignant statement came from one of the terminated professors who said, “Palestine is the only thing we have in common.” This speaks to the deep sense of camaraderie and shared purpose amongst the CUNY faculty in their advocacy for Palestinian rights. And as they continue to face backlash and censorship, this solidarity is what will keep them driven and determined to make their voices heard.
As we navigate through these uncertain times, it is crucial to remember that academic freedom is a cornerstone of higher education. It allows for free and open dialogue on all issues, regardless of how controversial or politically charged they may be. And it is only through this freedom that true progress and understanding can be achieved.
The termination of these four professors is not just a blow to academic freedom, but it is also a threat to the principles of justice and equality that CUNY stands for. It is imperative that the university takes a stand and addresses these issues with transparency and integrity in order to maintain its credibility as an institution of higher learning.
In the meantime, it is up to the rest of the CUNY community and the public to show their support for these brave professors and stand in solidarity with them. We must recognize that their fight for justice is not just about Palestine, but about the protection of academic freedom and the pursuit of truth in all its forms. Together, we can amplify their voices and demand accountability from those in positions of power.
We cannot afford to stay silent in the face of injustice. We must stand with the four terminated professors and all CUNY faculty who are fighting for the values of free speech, academic freedom, and social justice. Because at the end of the day
