Cary Nelson

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.

Cary Nelson, Jubilee Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, is a veteran of academic advocacy and past president of the American Association of University Professors. He shares his journey in defending academic freedom, highlighting the complexities of activism and evolving societal challenges. Nelson discusses the impact of hate speech on academia and the growing anti-Zionist sentiment among faculty. He also explores how social media scrutiny affects hiring practices and the implications of post-tenure reviews, emphasizing the need for critical discourse in universities.

Prof. Cary Nelson, former president of the American Association of University Professors, discusses the role of critical theory in higher education's response to the Hamas atrocities. They delve into the diverse uses of theory, the impact on universities, and the controversy surrounding Stephen Salida's appointment. They also explore affirmative action hiring, evaluating work, and the problems in women's studies departments.