Columbia University professor James Schamus warns Jewish faculty about the Trump administration’s threats to revoke $400 million in research funding, viewing it as part of a broader nationalist attack on higher education. He argues that accusations of antisemitism against Columbia are misleading and calls for unity among faculty to resist encroachments on academic freedom.

Recently, Columbia University professor James Schamus voiced critical concerns regarding a threat to the university’s funding. He addressed his fellow Jewish faculty members on a list serve, highlighting the ramifications of the Trump administration’s decision to revoke $400 million in research funding, which he perceives as an attack not only on Columbia but also on institutions of higher education as a whole. Schamus labeled this situation as part of a broader effort by white nationalists to silence opposition to their authoritarian regime.

He argues that the claims of antisemitism being levied against Columbia are unfounded, suggesting that the attack stems from the university’s liberal and cosmopolitan identity, which is seen as a symbol of Jewishness by its detractors. Schamus emphasizes that the individuals targeting the university align with pro-Israel sentiments, advocating for a garrison state while simultaneously ignoring the implications of their actions on Jewish identities in the broader context.

The professor also criticized Columbia’s administration for cracking down on campus speech regarding Israel, which he believes is an ineffective strategy that falsely assumes compliance will prevent future attacks. He quoted Dr. Brent Stockwell, chair of biological sciences at Columbia, who stated that the administration’s funding threats fundamentally misunderstand the consequences for Jewish researchers reliant on that funding. Dr. Stockwell suggested that the elimination of such funding could potentially harm Jewish faculty rather than combat antisemitism.

Schamus calls for solidarity among all faculty members, emphasizing the need for a united front against the encroaching ideology threatening the values of the university. He underlines the importance of collective resistance, aligning with not only Jewish faculty members but all advocates for civil rights within the campus community. The message encourages collaboration despite differing opinions on Israel, directing attention to the grave threats facing their collective academic environment.

In summary, Professor James Schamus articulates pressing concerns regarding the Trump administration’s threats to Columbia University’s research funding and its implications for the Jewish community within academia. He argues against the unfounded accusations of antisemitism levied against the institution and highlights the dangers of capitulation to nationalist pressures. Ultimately, Schamus advocates for unity among faculty members to defend the university’s core values against the rising tide of authoritarianism.

Original Source: lithub.com

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