Posted 11/30/2023, 10:32:00 PM
UC Professors Criticize President's Proposal for Middle East Studies Programs
- Over 150 UC professors wrote a letter criticizing UC President Michael Drake's proposal for "viewpoint-neutral" Middle East educational programs.
- The professors said Drake's proposal threatens academic freedom and faculty governance over curriculum.
- Drake proposed $7 million for mental health, combatting extremism/anti-Semitism/Islamophobia, and Middle East history education.
- The professors expressed concern over Drake using the word "preventative," saying it echoes restrictive government policies abroad.
- UC responded that the programs would be voluntary and unrelated to classroom content or curriculum.