New York University students who speak out against Zionism will now risk violating the school’s nondiscrimination policies.
By Natasha Lennard, The Intercept
As students and faculty in the U.S. return to campuses for the fall semester, there are innumerable reasons to continue demonstrating against institutional complicity with Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. The need for those protests is as urgent as it’s ever been.
University and college administrations, however, are not only signaling plans to treat pro-Palestinian speech with intellectual dishonesty, they’re making clear they plan to use their specious logic to inflict evermore repressive intolerance.
New York University led by troubling example when the school shared an updated code of student conduct last week. Ostensibly aimed at curtailing bigotry, the new language instead shuts down dissent by threatening to silence criticism of Zionism on campus. Students who speak out against Zionism — an ethno-nationalist political ideology founded in the late 19th century — will now risk violating the school’s nondiscrimination policies.
The corporatized industry of American higher education is hardly a site of social justice and liberatory knowledge production. There is, however, something particularly ghoulish in NYU’s actions here.
Recent Posts
This Isn’t Just Trump’s War on Iran. Both Parties Paved the Way for Disaster.
Take Action Now We must recognize Democrats share responsibility with the GOP for creating the climate that made such a war possible.By Stephen…
He is Seriously, Frighteningly, Utterly, and Completely Losing His Mind
Take Action Now We are all endangered. What happens if, in a demented rage, he hurls a nuclear bomb? Who is watching the “football” with the nuclear…
Trump Says “Enough”—But Israel Pushes on in Lebanon War Latest
Take Action Now The current 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has already shown signs of strain. While some displaced civilians have begun…
On Tax Day, Mamdani Taxed the Rich
Take Action Now The mayor, his supporters, and public opinion convinced their previously reluctant governor to agree to a tax on the second (or…