Hundreds of CUNY alumni rally behind student under fire for criticizing Israel
Hundreds of alumni have denounced as “unacceptable and unconscionable” the inaction of the City University of New York (CUNY) after a Yemeni-American Muslim student was targeted by a smear campaign for her speech at the university about Israeli crimes against Palestinians.
In a letter on Sunday, over 400 alumni expressed solidarity with Fatima Mohammed, a Yemeni graduate of CUNY, saying the attack on her “is a shameful example of the vilification of students in educational institutions around the country who support Palestine or are critical of Israel.”
The signatories went on to say that they are “deeply concerned” about the law school’s inaction in protecting a student at a time when her safety and well-being is at risk, as well as the Board of Trustees and Chancellor’s actions “that actively worsened the harm caused.”
They also said that they are appalled that a student who has spoken at the behest of her classmates would be put in danger without any action or statement of support by the school of law.
The letter further stressed that the law school claims to be an institution “that stands united in the belief that only when the world can see the full range of human experience reflected and represented in the law will we have justice for everyone.”
“In total conflict with this purported mission, CUNY’s disregard for the student, her experience, and her humanity is unacceptable and unconscionable,” it said.
The signatories further noted that they are proud of Fatima’s call for social justice, adding that to see her words characterized as hateful by CUNY’s Board of Trustees and Chancellor “is an affront to all of us.”
On May 12, Fatima used her speech at CUNY School of Law commencement ceremony to condemn the Israeli regime's brutal treatment of Palestinians.
CUNY School of Law live-streamed the ceremony but removed the video from its YouTube channels only hours later.
The university later denounced her for delivering a "hate speech." Several American media outlets, including the New York Post, as well as many officials, such as New York City Mayor Eric Adams, have also been ranting against her by characterizing her speech as "anti-Semitic."
Following her speech, she has reportedly been subject to death threats and Islamophobia, causing her and her family to fear for their safety.
Fatima, however, has, meanwhile, been receiving supportive statements and gestures, including on the part of dozens of CUNY Law staff and students, who have requested the university to withdraw its May 30 statement and apologize to her.
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