Maura Finkelstein was a professor of anthropology at Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College for nine years. In 2021, she gained tenure, supposedly ensuring lifetime job security and robust safeguards of academic freedom. But last May, she was fired. The reason? An Instagram repost protesting Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza. Finkelstein, who is Jewish, is the first tenured professor in the U.S. to be fired for pro-Palestinian speech since the immediate aftermath of September 11. But she’s unlikely to be the last. The Intercept has launched an investigation to expose the wave of anti-Palestinian repression sweeping college campuses, and your donations are absolutely critical to sustain this work. Will you donate $5 to help support The Intercept today? If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: Muhlenberg’s decision to dismiss Finkelstein followed a monthslong pressure campaign. The professor reported receiving anonymous rape threats and messages from people saying they watched her while she walked her dog. Rather than defend Finkelstein and uphold principles of academic freedom, Muhlenberg fired her. As the first instance of a tenured professor being fired for criticizing Israel’s war on Gaza, Finkelstein’s dismissal sets a grim new precedent against a backdrop of right-wing attacks on higher education nationwide. But since October 7, 2023, other tenured professors have been suspended and investigated, and numerous professors without the protection of tenure have lost jobs in apparent retaliation for speaking out against Israel’s brutal Gaza assault. Meanwhile, hundreds of students have faced grave disciplinary consequences for participating in Gaza solidarity encampments and protests. The Intercept is among the only news outlets reporting on what’s being called the “new McCarthyism” on college campuses — aimed at silencing pro-Palestinian speech — and your donations are an essential source of funding for this coverage. Thank you,
The Intercept team
|
Tenured professor fired for pro-Palestine speech
The Intercept is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Intercept’s mailing address is:
P.O. Box 9201
New York, NY 10008
The Intercept is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to holding the powerful accountable through fearless, adversarial journalism. Our in-depth investigations and unflinching analysis focus on surveillance, war, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media and more. Email is an important way for us to communicate with The Intercept’s readers, but if you’d like to stop hearing from us, click here to unsubscribe from all communications. Protecting freedom of the press has never been more important. Contribute now to support our independent journalism.
Older messages
We need your help to expose AIPAC
Monday, October 21, 2024
This is our most ambitious reporting project yet on AIPAC, a subject other outlets simply won't touch. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee was the number one biggest outside spender in the
After Israel Killed Hamas Leader, D.C. Pushes to Hand Palestine to Saudi Arabia
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Bent on a “mega-deal” security pact with Saudi Arabia, Congress and the Biden administration see their chance. Most Read She Exposed a Prestigious Medical Journal's Silence on the Holocaust. Now
U.S. Journalist Jeremy Loffredo Released After Being Detained by Israel for Four Days
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Jeremy Loffredo was taken into custody on suspicion of “assisting an enemy in war” for his reporting on Iran's missile attack. Most Read Four Days in Gaza: Five Journalists Killed or Wounded
We’re on the verge of a major blockbuster on AIPAC
Sunday, October 20, 2024
This is our most ambitious reporting project yet on AIPAC, a subject other outlets simply won't touch. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee was the number one biggest outside spender in the
Drug-Sniffing Police Dogs Are Intercepting Abortion Pills in the Mail
Sunday, October 20, 2024
An incident in Mississippi provides a window into a dystopian future where postal workers and local cops can block people from accessing reproductive care. Most Read Israel Escalates Attacks on
You Might Also Like
Our new favorite dishwasher detergents
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Soooo sparkling clean View in browser The Recommendation The best dishwasher detergents Our four picks for the best dishwasher detergent, next to stacks of white bowls, mugs, bowls and plates. Photo:
Friday Briefing: Stars rally for Harris
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Plus, an interview with the Taliban's most fearsome leader. View in browser|nytimes.com Ad Morning Briefing: Asia Pacific Edition October 25, 2024 Author Headshot By Gaya Gupta Good morning. We
AWS re:Invent returns: Get tickets today to stay in front of the biggest tech trends
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Get the latest product launches & announcements, and join over 2.5k sessions this Dec. 2–6 in Las Vegas GeekWire is pleased to present this special sponsored message to our Pacific NW readers. Don
Microsoft Research president on what’s next for AI | Crypto kiosk lawsuit
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Seattle startup deploys EV chargers at Costco ADVERTISEMENT GeekWire SPONSOR MESSAGE: Get your ticket for AWS re:Invent, happening Dec. 2–6 in Las Vegas: Register now for AWS re:Invent. TODAY'S TOP
Back the ‘Infinite’ fuel used by the Navy
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Ready to explore? Learn a new language with Babbel—now 55% off! ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
🍿 Venom’s Painfully Serious Farewell
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Plus: The author of 'Annihilation' just released a surprise prequel. Inverse Daily The third and final film in the Venom franchise has the nuggets of comedic brilliance that made the franchise
ACLU Leadership Rejects Staff Demands to Condemn U.S. Role in Israel’s Gaza War
Thursday, October 24, 2024
More than 650 ACLU staffers signed a petition calling on the organization to decry the ongoing war and divest from Israel. Most Read Meta's Israel Policy Chief Tried to Suppress Pro-Palestinian
Soft Significance
Thursday, October 24, 2024
How to read the Browser more effectively Soft Significance By Caroline Crampton • 24 Oct 2024 View in browser View in browser "The Kids Are Too Soft" Anne Helen Petersen | Culture Study |
Trump's "enemy from within" controversy.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
We assess the recent controversies about Donald Trump's statements. Trump's "enemy from within" controversy. We assess the recent controversies about Donald Trump's statements. By
☕ The wholesale bunch
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Wholesale through Amazon shake-up. October 24, 2024 Retail Brew Presented By Needed Hi there. Goldfish says it's renaming the brand to a “more adult” name—Chilean Sea Bass—for a limited time in an