Columbia University law professor Katherine Franke has resigned after 25 years, citing a “toxic and hostile environment” due to her outspoken support for Palestinian rights.
The university labeled her departure as “retirement,” but Franke described it as a “termination dressed up in more palatable terms.”
The controversy stems from comments Franke made about the harassment of Palestinian students by Israeli students with military backgrounds, which led to accusations of discriminatory harassment.
An external investigation concluded her remarks violated university policies, a decision Franke has appealed.
Franke faced death threats and public criticism after her comments were misquoted during a U.S. Congressional hearing. Critics argue that Columbia failed to defend academic freedom, instead siding with political pressures.
Activists, academics, and human rights organizations have condemned the university’s actions, calling it an attack on free speech and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
This resignation adds to growing concerns over the suppression of pro-Palestinian voices in academia and the erosion of free debate on university campuses.
