University of Michigan Professor Refuses to Write Recommendation Letter for Israel-Bound Student
David Lange
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University of Michigan professor John Cheney-Lippold reminds me of JP Sears, the internet comedian who satirizes virtue signalling hippies. Well, that, and a homeless hobo unable to kick his addiction to crack cocaine.
And not just in appearance – the guy truly does seem to be a virtue signalling piece of work, but his addiction seems to be hatred of Israel and, I suspect, the Jewish people.
Cheney-Lippold has refused to write a letter of recommendation for a student because she will be studying abroad in Israel.
The University of Michigan’s response seems about as flaccid as I suspect Cheney-Lippold is:
Rick Fitzgerald, a spokesperson for the University of Michigan, told The Algemeiner on Monday that the school “has consistently opposed any boycott of Israeli institutions of higher education.”
“No academic department or any other unit at the University of Michigan has taken a position that departs from this long-held university position,” he confirmed.
“The academic goals of our students are of paramount importance. It is the university’s position to take all steps necessary to make sure our students are supported,” Fitzgerald continued. “It is disappointing that a faculty member would allow their personal political beliefs to limit the support they are willing to otherwise provide for our students.”
He said the school will engage its faculty colleagues “in deep discussions to clarify how the expression of our shared values plays out in support of all students.”
Discussions? While that is a start, Cheney-Lippold has to be severely reprimanded at the very least. I would also suggest if their by-laws do not forbid refusing to write letters of recommendations for students based on personal politics, they need to be updated.
While the professor (of hate) and the university might argue freedom of speech, why doesn’t this freedom pertain to the students? Why should a student be penalized for supporting Israel? Universities exist for the students after all. At least they should.
What this latest episode shows is just how toxic the US university environment has become for Israel supporters and, in fact, Jewish students.
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David Lange
