Just over a week after the Kaukab Siddique made national news, Lincoln University released a stinging rebuke of its associate professor of English — a man who has expressed doubts about accuracy of the Holocaust.
In a statement released today, Lincoln University President Ivory Nelson said Siddique has the right to speak his mind when he is away from his job. Siddique drew ire last week when comments he made decrying the state of Israel were released, followed by earlier statements he made that can be seen as denying the Holocaust.
Nelson distanced the university from Siddique, however, saying that Siddique’s comments “are an insult to all decent people. I hope everyone understands that Dr. Siddique’s statements and assertions are his own, and they in no way represent the views of Lincoln University or me.”
The following is Nelson’s statement, in its totality.
Lincoln University Associate Professor Kaukab Siddique, in a recent rally in Washington, DC, called for the dismantling of Israel, and in earlier writings and pronouncements asserted that the Holocaust never occurred. His latest activities, like his earlier writings and statements, are an insult to all decent people. I hope everyone understands that Dr. Siddique’s statements and assertions are his own, and they in no way represent the views of Lincoln University or me. His statements on this issue reflect poorly on the reputation and integrity of Lincoln University.
The University acknowledges the Holocaust as a well-documented historical fact and does not condone the incitement to destruct any population or state by any means.
Dr. Siddique is a tenured associate professor in the Department of English and Mass Communications. Like all faculty members, he is entitled to express his personal views in conversation or in public forums, as long as he does not present such opinions as the views of the University.
Dr. Siddique has made it apparent that his opinions are his own and are not a part of his curriculum. Like all professors, he is expected to adhere to an approved syllabus.
Therefore, we cannot take action at this time based on the content of Dr. Siddique’s statements and opinions – no matter how insidious they may be – without undermining the principles on which Lincoln University was founded and the values by which we exist today.