As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Palestine has once again taken center stage. And while the international community grapples with finding a solution, the issue has also hit close to home for some faculty members at Brooklyn College in New York City.
Recently, four professors at Brooklyn College were terminated from their positions, sparking outrage and accusations of discrimination. The reason? Their support for Palestine.
The four professors, all of whom are of Palestinian descent, were outspoken advocates for Palestinian rights and have been involved in various forms of activism on campus. They were part of a larger group of faculty members who have been pushing for the college to divest from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
But their activism has come at a cost. In a recent article published by The Intercept, the four professors spoke out about their termination and the impact it has had on their lives.
One of the professors, Nerdeen Kiswani, who was an adjunct lecturer in the political science department, said that their support for Palestine was “the only thing we have in common.” She went on to say that their termination was a direct attack on their identity and their right to speak out on issues that are important to them.
The other three professors, Kareem Estefan, Thomas DeAngelis, and Kristofer Petersen-Overton, were also terminated from their positions as adjunct lecturers. They were all involved in different forms of activism, from organizing events and panels to teaching courses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Their termination has sparked a larger conversation about academic freedom and the right to free speech on college campuses. Many have criticized the college for silencing dissenting voices and punishing those who speak out against injustice.
In a statement, the college’s chancellor, James B. Milliken, defended the decision to terminate the professors, stating that their “performance and qualifications were not up to the standards of the college.” However, the four professors and their supporters argue that their termination was politically motivated and a violation of their academic freedom.
This incident has also shed light on the larger issue of the suppression of Palestinian voices and narratives in academia. The four professors, who were all highly qualified and respected in their fields, were targeted because of their support for Palestine. This raises questions about the inclusivity and diversity of perspectives in academic institutions.
But despite the challenges they have faced, the four professors remain determined to continue their activism and fight for justice for Palestine. They have received an outpouring of support from students, fellow faculty members, and activists from around the world.
Their story has also sparked a larger movement on campus, with students and faculty members coming together to demand accountability from the college and to push for a more inclusive and diverse academic environment.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, it is more important than ever to have open and honest discussions about the issue. And silencing those who speak out against injustice only hinders progress and perpetuates the cycle of violence.
The termination of these four professors at Brooklyn College is a clear violation of their rights and a threat to academic freedom. It is time for the college to take a stand and support the voices of all its faculty members, regardless of their political beliefs.
In the words of Nerdeen Kiswani, “We will not be silenced. We will continue to speak out and fight for justice for Palestine.” And it is this determination and resilience that will ultimately lead to a more inclusive and just society for all.
