In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul directed the removal of a job posting for a teaching position in Palestinian studies at Hunter College, following concerns that the listing could promote “antisemitic theories.” The job description sought a historian to explore various Palestinian-related issues, including settler-colonialism, genocide, and human rights.
After media attention on the advertisement, Governor Hochul instructed the City University of New York (CUNY), of which Hunter College is a part, to withdraw the posting and examine the position thoroughly to prevent the promotion of antisemitic views in educational settings. The CUNY Board of Trustees recognized the governor’s concerns, leading to the removal of the job listing.
Chairperson William C. Thompson Jr. and Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez expressed agreement with Governor Hochul, labeling the language of the job posting as divisive and inappropriate. They committed to addressing antisemitism and all forms of hate on campuses. The governor’s office clarified that no classes have been canceled, and the university plans to hire a specialist in the area of study.
Hunter College stated it would assess its process for job postings and aims to include experts in Palestinian history, culture, and society as part of its faculty. This comes amid a broader national context of campus unrest linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, protests by pro-Palestinian students have prompted significant campus actions across the United States, with calls for divestment from Israel and resulting in numerous arrests. Conversely, Jewish students have urged college administrations to manage protests that they believe threaten their sense of security.
Free speech advocates have criticized Hochul’s involvement, arguing it poses a risk to academic freedom. Robert Shibley from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression noted that such political involvement in hiring could politicize and harm academic autonomy in public universities. PEN America, another free speech organization, urged CUNY to reconsider its decision, asserting that navigating challenging academic inquiries is an essential aspect of scholarship.
Last year, PEN America faced internal protests for not actively opposing the Gaza war, though it had taken a strong stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began last month after 15 months of conflict, which enabled releasing hostages and prisoners and improved humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Talks for progressing the ceasefire were underway as of Friday.
