Confronting Anti-Semitism in Higher Education with Cary Nelson | Ep 32

Mar 18, 2025

In a thought-provoking discussion, Cary Nelson, Jubilee Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, delves into the troubling relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism in academia. He analyzes how campus dynamics and social media amplify these tensions, affecting Jewish students' identities and safety. Nelson urges for a return to universities as platforms for open dialogue, exploring the historical shifts in societal attitudes toward Israel and calling for greater understanding amidst the complexities of political discourse.

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ANECDOTE

Early Activism and Exclusion

Cary Nelson recalls facing exclusion from a reproductive rights group due to his Zionist views.
This early experience highlighted the clash between activism and identity on campus.

INSIGHT

Social Media's Role in Campus Protests

The rapid politicization of higher education seen in recent anti-Zionist movements is largely due to social media.
Social media facilitates quick dissemination of manifestos and strategies across geographical boundaries.

INSIGHT

Chanting and Lack of Discourse

The mindless chanting in campus protests reflects pre-determined conclusions, not thoughtful analysis or debate.
This contrasts with academic discourse, which values reflection and discussion before reaching conclusions.

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What does it mean for a university to become a battleground against deep-seated prejudices and historical tensions? In today’s episode, we dive into these challenging questions with our distinguished guest, Cary Nelson, a celebrated scholar and ardent advocate for academic freedom.

Nelson shares his insights on the intersection of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism in academia, a topic explored in his new book, "Mindless: What Happened to Universities?" The conversation examines how the lines between critique of Israel and hostility towards Jewish students blur, becoming toxic and divisive forces across campuses, from historical shifts that turned post-1948 anti-Zionism into a rejection of Israel's existence to the phenomenon of hatred and the campus protests that undermine foundational academic values. Nelson calls for reclaiming the core purpose of academia as a community of imperfect learners where dialogue and understanding prevail.

In This Episode:

Historical context of anti-Zionism and its transformation into anti-Semitism
The unique pressures faced by Jewish students on campuses
The role of social media in spreading campus protests
Distinctions between psychological and intellectual safety in Academia
The undermining of the university's role as a space for diverse perspectives

About Cary:

Cary Nelson is Jubilee Professor of Liberal Arts & Sciences Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an affiliated faculty member at the University of Haifa. He holds an honorary doctorate from Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Over his distinguished career, Nelson has authored or edited 36 books and published over 400 essays, focusing on modern poetry, critical theory, the politics of higher education, and issues related to antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From 2006 to 2012, he served as president of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), advocating for academic freedom and shared governance. Nelson’s latest work, “Mindless: What Happened to Universities?”, published on March 6, 2025, examines how universities have deviated from their commitment to shared intellectual principles, leading to environments where extremism and intolerance can flourish.

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