Bad Faith Episode 489 Promo - Tentative Hope (w/ Maura Finkelstein)
Jul 7, 2025
Maura Finkelstein, a former Associate Professor of Anthropology, discusses her controversial firing due to pro-Palestine speech, raising critical questions about academic freedom. She delves into the influence of organizations like Hillel on campus discourse and the culture of censorship they've fostered. Predictions for upcoming college protests and the ongoing struggle against injustice are explored, shedding light on the complexities of advocacy and free speech in today's academic climate.
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Hillel's Campus Surveillance Role
- Hillel International once served as a Jewish cultural and religious center but shifted to align strongly with Zionist ideals since 1980.
- Students and staff associated with Hillel on Maura Finkelstein's campus actively surveilled her speech and social media, filing complaints to censor pro-Palestine views.
Accusations Mask Censorship
- Criticism of Israel or Zionism often triggers accusations of antisemitism to silence dissent.
- This mechanism enables a network of students trained to surveil and shut down conversations about Palestine on campuses.
Instagram Post Sparks Termination
- Maura reposted a Palestinian poet's statement rejecting normalization and shaming of Zionism on Instagram.
- That repost led to a student complaint and ultimately to her termination from the college.