Oberlin College suspends ‘Professor of Peace’ over sexual harassment claims, following calls for Israel’s elimination
Oberlin College Suspends Controversial Professor Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Oberlin College, a private liberal arts college in Ohio, has taken action against tenured professor Mohammad Jafar Mahallati following allegations of sexual harassment. The college has placed Mahallati on indefinite administrative leave and removed him from their website. This decision comes after long-standing controversy surrounding Mahallati’s views on Israel and his alleged support for the Palestinian terror group Hamas.
Mahallati, who taught religion and Middle East and North Africa studies, has previously referred to himself as a “professor of peace.” However, he has been accused of promoting anti-Israel sentiments in his classes, referring to Israel as a “colonialist state” and an “apartheid state.” These allegations, combined with the recent emergence of decades-old sexual harassment claims, led to Oberlin’s decision to suspend him.
Decades-Old Sexual Harassment Allegations
Court papers from the 1990s reveal that when Mahallati was an adjunct professor at Columbia University, a graduate student accused him of offering good grades in exchange for sexual favors. The woman, who was 11 years younger than Mahallati, claimed that he made repeated sexual advances and engaged in sexual encounters with her over a 15-month period. She also alleged that Mahallati threatened to withhold her grade if she spoke out.
At the time, Mahallati denied these claims and even attempted to claim diplomatic immunity. However, Oberlin College takes all allegations of sexual harassment seriously and would not knowingly hire a faculty member with a history of such misconduct.
In addition to Oberlin’s actions, the Department of Education has launched a federal anti-Semitism probe into the college over Mahallati’s controversial views. This investigation will determine if Oberlin violated Title VI, which protects students from discrimination based on race or national origin. If found guilty, the college could face the loss of federal funding.
Mahallati, who has also taught at Georgetown and Princeton, has a history of defending controversial positions. As Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, he defended the Supreme Leader’s fatwa calling for the assassination of novelist Salman Rushdie. He also made statements at the United Nations in 1989 supporting the liberation of Palestinian-controlled land from “Zionist usurpers.”
While Mahallati’s classes at Oberlin have been canceled, students have previously boycotted and protested against him, accusing him of covering up crimes against humanity in Iran during the 1980s.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
Overall, Oberlin College’s decision to suspend Mahallati reflects their commitment to addressing allegations of sexual harassment and maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment for their students.
How does Oberlin College’s decision to suspend Mahallati demonstrate its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment?
Made unwanted advances towards her and created a hostile environment in which she felt obligated to comply with his requests. The case was settled out of court, and Mahallati continued his academic career at Oberlin College without any repercussions.
However, recent developments have brought these allegations back into the spotlight. The #MeToo movement and increased discussions surrounding sexual harassment in academia have prompted the college to reexamine Mahallati’s past actions. The administration has stated that they take these allegations seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
Oberlin College has a responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Sexual harassment allegations, especially those involving a faculty member with significant influence, have a detrimental effect on the campus community. By suspending Mahallati and initiating an investigation, the college is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring a harassment-free environment.
Controversial Views and Academic Freedom
In addition to the sexual harassment allegations, Mahallati has gained notoriety for his controversial views on Israel. He has faced criticism for promoting a one-sided narrative that demonizes Israel and ignores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While academic freedom encourages the exploration of diverse perspectives, it does not absolve individuals of the consequences that may arise from promoting hate speech or misinformation.
Oberlin College, like other institutions of higher education, recognizes the importance of academic freedom. However, it must also consider the potentially harmful consequences of allowing a professor to spread divisive and inflammatory views. The college’s decision to suspend Mahallati is a reflection of its duty to maintain an academic environment that fosters open discourse while also preserving a respectful and inclusive atmosphere for all students and faculty.
Some may argue that suspending Mahallati violates his right to free speech. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that free speech is not absolute. It does not shield individuals from accountability for their actions or protect them from facing consequences in a professional setting. College campuses have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and protect the well-being of their community members.
Oberlin’s actions send a powerful message to the entire academic community. They show that institutions are willing to take decisive steps to address allegations of sexual harassment and to address the impact of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. By holding professors accountable, colleges reinforce their commitment to fostering an environment that prioritizes equality, respect, and the pursuit of knowledge.
While this incident may be unsettling for students and faculty at Oberlin, it also serves as an opportunity for growth and reflection. By critically examining the college’s policies and practices, Oberlin can further strengthen its commitment to preventing and addressing issues of sexual harassment and ensuring an inclusive educational experience for all.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
