Pen America Remains Concerned Over Academic Freedom At University of Arizona, Related to Suspension of Two Instructors, Despite Their Reinstatement
04 December 2023 | PEN America
NEW YORK— Although two instructors at the University of Arizona were reinstated after suspension over their remarks about Hamas, PEN America said today it remains concerned that they cannot continue teaching a course, calling it “a fundamental violation of academic freedom.”
Following sit-ins and campus protests, the university has confirmed that the instructors are no longer on administrative leave but another faculty member will finish teaching the course this semester. The administration also announced a series of workshops related to academic freedom, teaching “highly sensitive subjects,” and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The professors were suspended after a set of audio clips from the class were recorded, posted on X (formerly Twitter) and went viral. In the clips the instructors allegedly called Hamas a “resistance group,” comparing them to the Black Panther Party, and discussed the current war between Israel and Hamas. The dean of the college of education told the professors they were suspected of violating policies related to professional conduct and political activity and lobbying, without specifying any details.