A job posting for a Palestinian studies professor at Hunter College has sparked controversy after Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered its removal, calling the language “divisive” and “polarizing.”
The listing, which called for a “historically grounded scholar” who could explore topics like settler colonialism, genocide and human rights through a critical lens, was met with backlash from various Jewish groups and pro-Israel advocates, who argued that it promoted antisemitic rhetoric.
The posting was criticized for its language, particularly the terms “genocide” and “settler colonialism,” which were claimed to have been used in a manner that was offensive when applied to Israel.
The position was part of a larger initiative to hire faculty for a Palestinian studies program at Hunter.
The governor’s criticism and the college’s subsequent removal of the listing came as a shock to many members of the school’s community.
Some faculty members, like Heba Gowayed, an associate professor at Hunter, expressed concern at the government’s intervention.
“This is an act of censorship and a break from the norms of respecting academic freedom,” Gowayed said.
The associate professor pointed out that similar language appears in numerous academic fields without controversy and said that suppressing such discussions threatens the core principle of academic freedom.
On the other hand, supporters of the removal argue that certain terms — particularly when applied to Israel — can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to an atmosphere of hostility toward Jewish communities.
Jeffrey Lax, a CUNY professor, expressed concerns that the job listing promoted “falsehoods” about Israel and accused the posting of spreading dangerous antisemitic tropes.
Lax is also the founder of the group: Students, Alumni and Faculty for Equality on Campus.
According to the group’s website, its mission is to “expose and challenge antisemitism through proactive measures that defend the rights of Zionists and Jews across the United States.”
The dispute has brought attention to broader discussions about free speech on college campuses.
Some see this as part of a larger pattern of increasing political interference in education regarding contentious issues like Israel, Palestine and social justice movements, a trend that is not unique to CUNY.
The Trump administration recently revoked $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University over alleged mishandling of antisemitism following a large pro-Palestinian protest movement that began last spring.
Similar incidents emerged at CUNY after the university became a focal point for pro-Palestinian protests during the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
In early February, The Nation reported that the CUNY is investigating student government leaders for boycotting Israel.
CUNY officials have indicated that while the Palestinian studies faculty positions will remain open, a revised job listing will be drafted.
As the university prepares to revise its job posting, it has reiterated its commitment to combating hate in all its forms but also pledged to preserve academic freedom in the process.
The controversy is ongoing as both critics and supporters of the decision continue to voice their concerns.
