What to Know
Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, has sparked a heated debate with its recent job posting for a professorship in Palestinian Studies. The announcement explicitly seeks a scholar focusing on area topics such as “settler colonialism, genocide, and apartheid” in relation to Palestine. This move has drawn criticism from Jewish groups and pro-Israel advocates who interpret it as institutionalizing anti-Israel rhetoric under an academic guise.
Why It Matters
The decision comes amidst mounting concerns over instances of antisemitism across the CUNY schools. New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul had previously initiated an independent investigation that revealed ongoing issues of antisemitic incidents, creating an environment of intolerance for Jewish faculty and students. Critics warn that the inclusion of skewed perspectives on contentious topics risks fueling further division and anti-Israel sentiments.
The Broader Picture
CUNY’s track record has been punctuated by previous controversies, including the faculty union’s divisive resolution, eventually overturned due to backlash, and provocative commencement speeches. As concerns simmer, pro-Israel advocates question the prudence of taxpayer funding supporting initiatives perceived as veering into state-sponsored antisemitism.
The State Response
With Governor Hochul’s proposal of $2.25 billion in operational funds for CUNY, the community and stakeholders are calling on the administration to reconsider how resources are allocated, ensuring that any publicly funded scholarly pursuits do not compromise the equitable and respectful academic discourse that underpins New York’s higher education mandate.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.