Disturbing news has emerged from George Washington University, raising concerns about the state of academia and the tolerance of anti-Semitic behavior within our educational institutions. Lara Sheehi, a professor at George Washington University, is currently under federal investigation for allegations of mistreatment and harassment of Jewish students. The situation has taken a concerning turn with the revelation of her explicit support for Hamas terrorists on her private Instagram account.
For those who might not be aware, Hamas is internationally recognized as a terrorist organization. The group has been responsible for countless attacks against Israeli civilians, resulting in death and suffering for innocent people. Yet, despite this well-documented history of violence, Sheehi shockingly referred to these terrorists as “martyrs” and endorsed their “armed resistance.”
What’s even more troubling is that these inflammatory posts were made in the aftermath of Hamas’s latest attacks on Israel, which caused a significant loss of innocent lives. Instead of condemning these acts of violence, Sheehi chose to glorify the perpetrators. This is not the kind of behavior we should accept from someone in a position of authority, particularly in an academic setting.
Moreover, Sheehi used her platform to promote a statement that criticized anyone condemning “the Palestinians’ armed resistance.” It’s essential to distinguish between legitimate criticisms of government policies and the endorsement of violence, especially when it involves terrorism. Sheehi’s post fails to make that crucial distinction.
Additionally, Sheehi expressed her support for the George Washington University chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a group known for promoting anti-Israel sentiments. This chapter had previously referred to Hamas terrorists as “martyrs,” a sentiment that Sheehi actively endorsed. Sheehi even claimed that Israelis were “NOT being killed for being Jewish,” which is a troubling denial of the anti-Semitic nature of the attacks.
This issue highlights a broader problem of anti-Semitism in academia. Sheehi’s Jewish students had already filed a Title VI complaint against her, alleging that she harassed and demeaned them while encouraging others to do the same. Her reported comments about students born in Israel are particularly troubling, as she seemed to suggest that it’s a fault to be born in that country.
Furthermore, Sheehi invited a speaker to campus who praised Palestinian terrorism and condemned “white Israeli racism.” These actions are not conducive to an open and respectful academic environment.
Previously, hundreds of academics had urged George Washington University to suspend Sheehi for her hateful remarks. The university responded by hiring an outside law firm to investigate her conduct, which was ultimately deemed unsubstantiated. However, this decision has been met with skepticism, as the full report has not been released, and the context behind her alleged anti-Semitic statements remains unclear.
Notably, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened a full investigation into Sheehi’s conduct. The fact that a federal investigation is underway suggests that the concerns raised by her students are being taken seriously.
In her recent Instagram posts, Sheehi defended her stance, accusing those who support Israel of trying to dismiss an “anti-colonial uprising.” She also claimed that Israelis have been “on the wrong side of every liberation struggle on this Earth.” This kind of rhetoric is divisive and unhelpful in fostering constructive dialogue.
While we firmly believe in the importance of free speech and academic freedom, there must be a line when it comes to supporting terrorists and endorsing violence. It’s essential for institutions of higher learning to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students, regardless of their background or beliefs.
It is our hope that the ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Education will provide clarity on the matter and ensure that anti-Semitism has no place in our academic institutions. Our universities should be spaces of intellectual growth, respectful discourse, and inclusivity. It’s time to hold individuals who promote hate and violence accountable for their actions.
