This is in response to the recent opinion piece “Steven Salaita: U. of I. destroyed my career” (Perspective, Sept. 29).
The University of Illinois upheld its values of creating an inclusive and safe learning environment when it rescinded Salaita’s tenure position.
Describing his own behavior as “critical of Israel’s actions” or “my challenges to Israeli government action,” as he does in this recent piece (which, of course, omitted mention of certain of his tweets) demonstrates exactly why Salaita is unfit for a tenured position at the prestigious University of Illinois.
The very academic freedom he purports to condone is at stake when a professor cannot, or chooses not to, distinguish between civil political commentary and intimidating behavior that no student, Jewish or otherwise, should be forced to confront in a university setting.
— Amy Stoken, director, American Jewish Committee Chicago