Four adjunct professors at Brooklyn College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), have claimed that their recent termination was a direct result of their activism for Palestine. This unexpected decision has left both faculty members and department heads bewildered, especially since these professors had already been recommended for reappointment and assigned classes for the upcoming fall semester—some of which had student waitlists. The professors, along with their supporters, assert that they were in good standing with their departments and had received positive reviews from students.
The university has not provided an official explanation for the termination of one professor and the non-reappointment of three others. This lack of transparency has led to speculation among the affected faculty. One professor, who chose to remain anonymous due to fears of harassment, expressed frustration: “We’re filling in the blanks because they’ve told us nothing. The only reason we know it’s related to Palestine is because that’s the only thing we have in common.” This sentiment underscores a growing concern about academic freedom and the potential repercussions of political activism within educational institutions.
The Professional Staff Congress (PSC), the primary labor union representing CUNY faculty, has voiced strong opposition to the administration’s actions, arguing that the professors’ removal violates their due process and free speech rights. In a letter to CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, PSC President James Davis highlighted the irregularities surrounding the terminations, noting that the professors’ job performance had never been deemed unsatisfactory. “In no case was the job performance of the instructor evaluated as unsatisfactory,” Davis wrote, emphasizing the troubling nature of the situation. The union has sought clarity from the administration on multiple occasions but has received little in return.
Support for the terminated professors has emerged from various quarters, including a letter signed by over 100 Jewish faculty and staff at CUNY, which condemned the firings as a violation of academic autonomy. They argued that such actions do not enhance safety for any group but rather set a dangerous precedent for academic discourse. “Firing our colleagues is an abhorrent act,” the letter stated, reflecting a broader concern about the implications of silencing dissenting voices in academia.
The timing of these staffing changes coincided with a congressional hearing focused on allegations of antisemitism on college campuses, further complicating the narrative. University leaders from CUNY and other institutions faced intense scrutiny, with some lawmakers pushing for disciplinary actions against faculty members based on their political affiliations and actions. This environment of heightened tension has led many professors across the country to worry about the policing of their speech and actions under an increasingly broad definition of antisemitism, particularly when it intersects with criticism of Israel.
In the wake of their terminations, the affected professors are now grappling with the immediate consequences of their activism. One professor expressed concern about the financial implications for her family, particularly regarding college tuition for her oldest child. “I don’t know if my family will have to move, what we’ll do about health insurance, or whether the right-wing groups now doxxing me will escalate their harassment,” she lamented. Such fears reflect a broader anxiety among academics who feel their livelihoods are at stake due to their political beliefs.
Despite the challenges they face, the professors remain steadfast in their commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights. “It’s impossible not to see this as retaliation—for supporting students and for exercising my lawful political expression outside the classroom,” one professor stated. Another added, “Absolutely not. In the face of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians killed, I cannot and will not be silent.” This determination highlights the resilience of those who believe in the importance of their cause, even in the face of significant personal and professional risks.
As the discourse surrounding academic freedom and political activism continues to evolve, the situation at CUNY serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in navigating these contentious issues within the realm of higher education. The professors’ experiences underscore the need for ongoing dialogue about the balance between institutional policies and the rights of individuals to express their beliefs, particularly in a climate where political tensions are increasingly manifesting in academic settings.
