University of Illinois victimizes professor critical of Israel’s policies - World Socialist Web Site
▻http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/09/22/sala-s22.html
On September 11, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees voted 8-1 to reject the appointment of Professor Steven Salaita to the American Indian Studies department. A job offer approved by Salaita’s colleagues was revoked last month by University Chancellor Phyllis Wise after Salaita’s social media commentaries against the Israeli government’s policies were publicized.
The university’s position was expressed in a hypocritical statement by President Robert Easter: “In our pluralistic society it is increasingly obvious that forward progress is impeded by polarization, bigotry and hurtful dialogue that inhibits reasoned discourse. I’ve come to the conclusion that Professor Salaita’s approach indicates that he would be incapable of fostering a classroom environment where conflicting opinions need to be given equal consideration regardless of the issue being discussed. I’m also concerned that his irresponsible public statements would make it more difficult for the university and particularly the Urbana-Champaign campus to attract the best and brightest students, faculty and staff.”
