Exclusive | CUNY’s taxpayer-funded Hunter College promotes hateful ‘Palestine’ course targeting Jews, activists fume

A Controversy Over Academic Freedom and Antisemitism at Hunter College

Hunter College, a taxpayer-funded institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, has ignited controversy with a job posting for a tenure-track professorship in Palestinian Studies. The position description has drawn criticism for its focus on topics that critics argue are biased against Israel, such as "settler colonialism," "genocide," and "apartheid." This has led to accusations of promoting antisemitic propaganda under the guise of academic scholarship. The posting, which seeks a scholar to critically examine issues related to Palestine, has been likened to anti-Israel propaganda, with some drawing parallels to historical anti-Jewish rhetoric.

Critics Accuse Hunter College of Promoting Antisemitism

Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, a former CUNY trustee, has expressed outrage over the job posting, comparing it to Nazi-era propaganda that unfairly blamed Jews for global issues. He questioned the academic integrity of such a course, suggesting it perpetuates harmful stereotypes against Israel. Liora Rez of StopAntisemitism concurred, labeling the posting as antisemitic propaganda and calling for the resignation of CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos-Rodriguez. Critics argue that the course description reflects broader issues of antisemitism within CUNY, which they claim has become institutionalized and taxpayer-funded.

Taxpayer Funding and the Implications of a Controversial Curriculum

As a public institution, CUNY receives significant funding from New York State, with Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget allocating billions for operations and capital projects. Critics are concerned that taxpayer money is being used to promote a biased academic agenda. They argue that such courses not only distort historical narratives but also undermine the diversity of viewpoints that higher education should champion. This controversy highlights tensions between academic freedom and the responsibility of publicly funded institutions to maintain neutrality and balance in curriculum design.

A History of Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Sentiment at CUNY

The controversy is not isolated; CUNY has faced previous accusations of fostering an environment hostile to Jewish students and Israel supporters. Incidents include faculty supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, student protests disrupting campuses, and a commencement speaker criticizing Israel. A probe commissioned by Governor Hochul found alarming levels of antisemitism, prompting calls for systemic reforms. These incidents suggest a persistent issue that extends beyond a single job posting, pointing to a deeper cultural problem within the institution.

Hunter College’s Response to the Backlash

Hunter College has defended the job posting, emphasizing its commitment to academic freedom and critical scholarship. The college stated that faculty are expected to analyze and debunk theories, not promote them, and denied any tolerance for hate. However, CUNY leadership has not publicly addressed the controversy, leaving critics unsatisfied. This response underscores the balance institutions must strike between fostering intellectual inquiry and avoiding the promotion of biased or hateful ideologies.

Calls for Accountability and Reforms

The controversy has sparked calls for accountability, with critics urging Chancellor Matos-Rodriguez to resign or be removed. They argue that CUNY has become a hub for extremism under his leadership, necessitating immediate action to address antisemitism. Meanwhile, the faculty union’s recent reversal of a pro-BDS resolution suggests some willingness to address these issues. As the debate continues, the broader implications for academic freedom, institutional responsibility, and the fight against antisemitism remain at the forefront. The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges universities face in navigating complex political issues while maintaining their commitment to open inquiry and inclusivity.