Indian studies professor denied position over remarks about Israel


Steven G. Salaita. Photo from Facebook

A professor who was offered a job at the Indian studies program at the University of Illinois-Champaign was turned away after he posted controversial comments about Israel on Twitter.

Steven G. Salaita was due to join the American Indian Studies Program until he lashed out against Israel over its military conflict in the Gaza region. The decision has sparked criticism from faculty in the program, who said they weren't consulted by university leadership.

"We are deeply concerned about the action taken against Professor Salaita," the faculty in the Indian studies program said in an August 29 letter to Chancellor Phyllis Wise. "Long after he was offered and accepted a tenured position, specific arrangements were made regarding courses, schedules, and salary."

The faculty also case a vote of no confidence in Wise. Some scholars are boycotting the university and urging others to do the same.

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University's Rescinding of Job Offer Prompts an Outcry (The New York Times 9/1)

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