Ex-Soros Foundation official accused of promoting anti-Israel sentiment at Columbia
Former Director at Open Society Foundations Now a Tenure-Track Professor at Columbia University
A former director at George Soros’s Open Society Foundations has taken on a new role as a tenure-track public health professor at Columbia University. In a video recording obtained by the Wall Street Journal, the professor, Kayum Ahmed, can be seen engaging students in a call-and-response exercise during a lecture.
“What do we want?” Ahmed yelled. “Justice!” the students responded. “If we don’t get it?” he asked. “Shut it down!” the students were instructed to respond.
However, Ahmed is facing accusations of indoctrinating his students with anti-Israel sentiments. According to the Journal, he labels Israel as a “colonial settler state” that has oppressed indigenous populations and displaced Palestinians, leading to health consequences.
A graduate student who took Ahmed’s class told the Journal, “He puts the idea into everyone’s head that the Jews stole the land and it should belong to the indigenous people.” This rhetoric has raised concerns among students and faculty members who believe Ahmed is promoting a pro-Palestinian bias and spreading disinformation.
This incident is reflective of the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic beliefs that some prominent Ivy League faculty members have been advancing since Hamas’s attack on Israel. Jewish students often find themselves subjected to these beliefs, even against their will.
Controversial Views on COVID-19 and Israel
In a 2021 article, Ahmed argued that the COVID-19 pandemic could create a dystopian society of the “unvaccinated,” including prisoners, Palestinians, and those affected by armed conflict. He claimed that Israel weaponized the vaccine by denying vaccinations to Palestinians. However, Israel later reached a vaccine exchange agreement with the Palestinian Authority, which was subsequently canceled.
Ahmed has a history of expressing such beliefs, including during his time as head of Open Society Foundations’ public health portfolio. In a 2019 address at an elite New York City private school, he invoked the Holocaust to argue that Jews have become oppressors themselves.
These remarks were deemed “outrageous” by Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. However, they did not hinder Ahmed’s academic career. Columbia University promoted him from a law school lecturer to an assistant professor in public health, putting him on track for tenure.
Response and Repercussions
Ahmed has not responded to requests for comment. In a statement to the Journal, he dismissed his critics as “a handful of privileged, white students” who have not been challenged to think critically about the benefits they derive from systems of oppression.
Columbia University’s public health school spokesperson emphasized the school’s commitment to a balanced perspective and stated that they take concerns about class content seriously. They are currently working with their educational committee and faculty to reinforce their educational principles and values.
Background and Publications
Ahmed joined Columbia University as a “lecturer in law” in 2017 and later became an assistant public health professor. He previously worked at Open Society Foundations, leading their global portfolio on access to medicines and innovation. Ahmed is also the author of A is for Amandla! The ABC Guide for Young Revolutionaries [and their parents], a book that promotes radical ideas and encourages children to support various social justice causes.
In what ways does Ahmed’s criticism of Israel’s vaccination distribution plan highlight concerns about the health and well-being of Palestinians in the occupied territories?
Living in Israeli-occupied territories, and refugees. He contended that these populations would face limited access to healthcare and be subjected to discriminatory policies that would exacerbate health inequalities.
Furthermore, Ahmed has made controversial statements regarding Israel’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He criticized Israel’s vaccination distribution plan, alleging that it prioritized Israeli citizens over Palestinians living in the occupied territories. He argued that this demonstrated a lack of concern for the health and well-being of Palestinians and perpetuated a system of structural violence.
These views have garnered both support and criticism. Some argue that Ahmed’s analysis sheds light on the unequal distribution of resources and healthcare access in the region. They contend that questioning Israel’s policies is a legitimate exercise of academic freedom and freedom of speech.
However, others assert that Ahmed’s statements reflect a biased perspective that unfairly demonizes Israel. They argue that his characterization of Israel as a “colonial settler state” perpetuates a one-sided narrative that ignores the complex historical and political context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They contend that his views contribute to a hostile environment for Jewish students and perpetuate anti-Israel sentiments.
Responses from Columbia University
Columbia University has addressed the concerns raised by students and faculty members regarding Ahmed’s alleged biased teaching. In a statement, the university emphasized its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment while upholding the principles of academic freedom and free expression.
The university stated that it encourages constructive dialogue and the exploration of diverse perspectives within its classrooms. However, it also stressed the importance of ensuring that students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives and that teaching is conducted in a manner that respects opposing viewpoints and maintains a respectful and inclusive environment for all students.
Columbia University has promised to investigate the allegations against Ahmed to determine if there has been any violation of its principles and policies. It recognizes the importance of addressing concerns regarding biased teaching and maintaining a balanced and fair educational experience for all students.
The Need for Academic Integrity
This incident at Columbia University raises broader questions about the role and responsibilities of educators in fostering an inclusive and unbiased learning environment. It highlights the delicate balance between academic freedom, freedom of speech, and the need to promote critical thinking and intellectual discourse.
Educators have a responsibility to present diverse viewpoints in a fair and unbiased manner, ensuring that students have access to a range of perspectives to form their own informed opinions. It is crucial to encourage respectful dialogue and create a space where students feel free to express their ideas without fear of prejudice or discrimination.
Universities and academic institutions should prioritize the promotion of academic integrity by establishing codes of conduct and guidelines that outline expectations for educators in their teaching practices. It is imperative to address any instances of biased teaching or indoctrination that may undermine the educational experience and perpetuate harmful stereotypes or beliefs.
In conclusion, the appointment of Kayum Ahmed, a former director at Open Society Foundations, as a tenure-track professor at Columbia University has sparked controversy due to allegations of biased teaching and spreading disinformation. The response from the university underscores the importance of maintaining academic integrity and fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment. It is essential for educators to present diverse perspectives while upholding the principles of academic freedom and critical thinking. Only through promoting unbiased education can universities fulfill their role as institutions dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth.
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