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University of Michigan Disciplines Professor Who Withheld Recommendation from Student Who Wanted to Study in Israel

(Detroit News) Kim Kozlowski - The University of Michigan is disciplining associate professor John Cheney-Lippold who refused to recommend a student for study in Israel because of his support for Palestinians. The tenured American studies professor will not get a merit raise during the 2018-19 academic year and can't go on his upcoming sabbatical in January, according to an Oct. 3 letter signed by Elizabeth Cole, the interim dean of UM's College of Literature, Science and the Arts. The letter stated: "Your behavior in this circumstance was inappropriate and will not be tolerated. In the future, a student's merit should be your primary guide for determining how and whether to provide a letter of recommendation. You are not to use student requests for recommendations as a platform to discuss your personal political beliefs." Cole also criticized him for using class time to discuss his views on the Palestinian-led BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanctions) movement. "This use of class time to discuss your personal opinions was a misuse of your role as a faculty member....The University formally and publicly opposes a boycott of Israeli academic institutions."
2018-10-10 00:00:00
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