Holocaust Scholar Raz Segal Loses Univ. of Minnesota Job.
I am writing to express my concern over the recent
decision by the University of Minnesota to rescind a job offer to Holocaust and
genocide scholar Raz Segal. Segal, an Israeli American Jewish scholar, had been
offered the position of Director at the university's Center for Holocaust and
Genocide Studies. This offer was revoked following his characterization of the
Israeli assault on Gaza as a "textbook case of genocide" and a
subsequent campaign by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and
the Dakotas (JCRC).
Segal's remarks and scholarly stance have sparked
significant controversy, with two board members resigning in protest and the
JCRC labeling him an "extremist." Segal argues that he has been
targeted because of his Jewish identity and his refusal to equate Jewish
identity solely with Zionism. He describes the opposition against him as a
"hateful campaign of lies and distortions" and condemns the
university's decision as a grave threat to academic freedom and free inquiry.
Segal's situation highlights a troubling trend in
academia, where political pressure can undermine legitimate hiring processes
and stifle critical discourse. The rescinding of his job offer reflects a
broader suppression of academic freedom, particularly concerning discussions
around Israel's actions in Gaza. This sets a dangerous precedent for the
integrity of educational institutions and their commitment to unbiased
scholarship.
It is vital for universities to uphold the principles of
free inquiry and resist external pressures that seek to dictate academic
appointments based on political agendas. The support Segal has received from
scholars worldwide and within the University of Minnesota underscores the
importance of protecting academic freedom and fostering diverse perspectives in
higher education.
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