Faculty and staff members at the City University of New York (CUNY) have voiced their objections to the university’s response following the recent Hamas terror attacks on Israel. Over 125 individuals signed a statement criticizing Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez for distancing the university system from student groups endorsing the attack. The statement accuses Rodríguez of attempting to suppress dissent and censure expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The statement comes in the wake of pro-Palestinian campus organizations participating in protests celebrating Hamas’ surprise attack. The faculty and staff members strongly object to Rodríguez’s condemnation of the violence and his rejection of the participation of CUNY-affiliated organizations in demonstrations that glorify the attacks. They argue that the chancellor’s letter reproduces racist and Islamophobic rhetoric and suppresses critical discussion.
The statement highlights the faculty and staff’s belief that there is no equivalence between Hamas’ attack on Israel and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Israeli forces. They condemn Israeli settler colonialism and assert that Israeli state violence has defined Palestinian life since 1948. The statement also emphasizes the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli blockade and attacks.
In addition to the protests at CUNY, several dozen pro-Palestinian student groups at colleges and universities across the country have released statements and organized demonstrations supporting the Hamas attack. Notably, Harvard University saw the release of a statement by Palestinian solidarity groups, holding Israel responsible for the unfolding violence. However, the statement was later deleted amid backlash.
The CUNY faculty and staff’s statement criticizes the university administration for rejecting all criticism of Israel and aligning against the consensus opinion of regional and international human rights organizations. They demand an end to the repression and intimidation of Palestine solidarity activists and call for the protection of the rights of all members of CUNY.
In conclusion, faculty and staff members at CUNY have expressed their discontent with the university’s response to the Hamas attack on Israel. They argue that the university administration is suppressing dissent and censoring expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The faculty and staff call for an end to the repression of Palestine solidarity activists and demand the protection of all members’ rights at CUNY.
