In a striking case that has reverberated through academic circles, Maura Finkelstein, a tenured professor of anthropology at Muhlenberg College, was dismissed from her position after nearly a decade of service. This unprecedented action has ignited discussions about academic freedom, the boundaries of free speech, and the increasing pressures faced by educators who express support for Palestinian rights.
Finkelstein, who identifies as Jewish, has long been an advocate for Palestinian liberation. “I have always had an ethical practice of making sure that I include Palestine in my teaching,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to inclusivity in her curriculum. However, her outspoken views became a source of contention within a college community where over 30% of the 2,200 students are Jewish, many of whom are staunch supporters of Israel.
Despite her long-standing advocacy and the protections typically afforded to tenured faculty, Finkelstein was informed of her termination in late May. The catalyst for this decision was her sharing of a post on her personal Instagram account, authored by Palestinian poet Remi Kanazi, which called for the shunning of Zionist ideology. Kanazi’s words, which included a stark condemnation of those he labeled as “genocide-loving fascists,” were shared in the context of the ongoing violence in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians had already lost their lives.
The college administration justified Finkelstein’s dismissal by claiming she had violated its equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies. Todd Lineburger, the college’s vice president for communications, stated, “The College at all times follows its mission, policies and procedures with respect to matters arising under our Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy and the Faculty Handbook.” However, the decision has raised significant concerns about the implications for academic freedom, particularly in light of the growing trend of right-wing attacks on higher education.
Finkelstein’s case is particularly notable as it marks what many believe to be the first instance of a tenured professor being fired for anti-Zionist speech. Anita Levy, a senior program officer at the American Association of University Professors, remarked, “The apparent violations of her academic freedom are quite egregious, especially because they appear to primarily involve her posts on social media, what we would call her extramural speech.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within academia, where educators increasingly fear repercussions for expressing dissenting views on contentious political issues.
The pressure leading to Finkelstein’s dismissal was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of a months-long campaign against her. Anonymous alumni and other groups orchestrated a barrage of emails to college administrators, demanding her removal and accusing her of harboring “Jew hatred.” A Change.org petition, which garnered over 8,000 signatures, labeled her rhetoric as “pro-Hamas” and called for her termination. Finkelstein noted, “I think that the pressure from donors and alums was so intense that I became a huge liability.”
The situation escalated further when Finkelstein publicly criticized a fundraising campaign for the Israeli military that was promoted on campus. Her email to college leadership expressed outrage over the display, particularly in light of ongoing violence in Gaza. This criticism was later used against her as evidence of her alleged bias.
Throughout the fall semester, Finkelstein faced regular meetings with the college’s administration, where she was questioned about her teaching and the perceived impact of her views on students. Despite the administration’s claims of multiple complaints from students, an independent investigation revealed that only one complaint had been filed, and it was from a student she had never taught.
The investigation into Finkelstein’s conduct ultimately concluded that her Instagram post violated the college’s policies. However, it also noted that her speech did not meet the threshold for harassment. This contradiction highlights the complexities surrounding the interpretation of academic freedom and the rights of educators to express their views outside the classroom.
Finkelstein’s dismissal has drawn comparisons to past cases where professors faced backlash for their political views. For instance, Palestinian American scholar Steven Salaita successfully sued the University of Illinois after his job offer was rescinded due to his critical tweets about Israel. Yet, Finkelstein’s case stands out as it involves a tenured professor losing her position for a social media post, a scenario that raises alarms about the erosion of academic protections.
As the landscape of higher education continues to shift, Finkelstein’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for academics who dare to challenge prevailing narratives. “As someone who has been active in support and solidarity of Palestinian people and Palestinian self-determination for decades, part of me is not surprised that this happened,” she reflected, underscoring the pervasive atmosphere of fear and repression that many educators now navigate.
This case not only underscores the challenges faced by those advocating for Palestinian rights but also raises critical questions about the future of academic freedom in an increasingly polarized society. The implications of Finkelstein’s dismissal extend beyond her individual situation, signaling a troubling trend that could stifle
