Professor Rashid Khalidi Withdraws Columbia Course Over Trump Settlement and IHRA Definition

Columbia's Settlement with the Trump Administration

• 🏛️ Columbia University has agreed to a $200 million settlement with the Trump administration, following accusations of failing to protect Jewish students during campus protests.
• ⚖️ The settlement also includes $21 million to resolve EEOC investigations, requiring Columbia to end race considerations in admissions and hiring.
• 🤝 As part of the deal, Columbia will appoint an outside monitor with access to classrooms and meetings to ensure compliance with the administration's directives.
• 📉 A significant, less-reported provision commits Columbia to "examine its business model and take steps to decrease financial dependence on international student enrollment."

Impact on Academic Freedom and Teaching

• 🚫 Professor Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said professor emeritus of modern Arab studies, is withdrawing his fall course due to the university's new policies.
• 📚 Khalidi cites the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-semitism as a primary reason, stating it makes teaching about topics like genocide, settler colonialism, and even the Holocaust nearly impossible.
• 🗣️ The IHRA definition, which conflates Jewishness with Israel, is criticized for making any criticism of Israel or its policies a potential accusation of anti-semitism.
• 🔒 Faculty and students face a chilling effect, with fears of being reported for speech critical of Israel, leading to disciplinary actions.

Critiques of the Settlement and University Leadership

• 📢 Khalidi describes the settlement as a "capitulation to Trump's dictat" and an "inside job" orchestrated by a "fifth column" of trustees, donors, and some faculty.
• 🎯 He argues that the university's actions are driven by a desire to appease those offended by any support for Palestinian rights, rather than by genuine concerns about anti-semitism.
• 💼 The settlement is seen as prioritizing financial interests and political appeasement over educational values and academic freedom.
• 🎭 The appointment of a special provost to oversee Middle East studies is questioned, suggesting it's a precursor to broader censorship across various academic departments.

Weaponization of Anti-Semitism Definitions

• ✍️ Professor Kenneth Stern, a co-author of the IHRA definition, has repudiated its current use, stating it was never intended to punish speech supporting Palestine or criticizing Zionism.
• 🚫 Stern's efforts to dissuade Columbia's board of trustees from adopting the definition were unsuccessful.
• 🌍 The IHRA definition is weaponized to protect Israel from criticism, falsely equating critiques of Israel or Zionism with attacks on the entire Jewish people.
• 📜 Historically, majorities of Jewish people opposed Zionism, yet the IHRA definition is used to silence dissent and enforce a singular pro-Israel narrative.

Broader Implications and Calls to Action

• 📉 Universities like Harvard are also practicing "anticipatory obedience," taking measures to appease the administration even before formal settlements.
• 🏦 Khalidi criticizes university leadership, often composed of hedge fund managers and bureaucrats, for prioritizing financial bottom lines over educational values and community well-being.
• 📢 He calls for greater sacrifice from individuals within academia and beyond, including the complicit mainstream media, to challenge the ongoing events in Gaza.
• ✊ Khalidi announces plans to teach a free, hybrid short course on Palestine in New York, continuing his commitment to education outside of what he deems "corrupt academia."