

As Trump Vows to Restore Free Speech, Harvard Just Assaulted It; Columbia Professor Forced Out Over Israel Criticisms
17 snips Jan 23, 2025
Katherine Franke, a tenured professor at Columbia University known for her expertise in gender and sexuality law, shares her experiences with the escalating censorship of pro-Palestine voices on college campuses. She discusses her own push-out due to criticisms of Israel and the broader implications for academic freedom and free speech. The conversation also touches on the complexities surrounding selective definitions of anti-Semitism and the challenges faced by educators in fostering open dialogue amidst a politically charged environment.
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Free Speech Under Attack
- Donald Trump vowed to restore free speech, yet censorship has intensified, targeting critics of Israel and pro-Palestinian voices.
- This censorship violates the First Amendment, which protects speech regardless of viewpoint.
Professor Franke's Case
- Columbia Professor Katherine Franke was pushed out after criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza on Democracy Now! and supporting student protesters.
- Facing investigations and threats, Franke left Columbia due to the hostile environment created by her constitutionally protected views.
Republican Critique of Biden
- Despite Biden's staunch pro-Israel stance, Republicans criticize him for not doing enough.
- This reveals a warped dynamic where Republicans criticize Biden even when they agree with his actions.