Harvard Professor Resigns from Groups Amid Backlash Over Antisemitic Image
In a recent turn of events, Walter Johnson, a professor of History and of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, has resigned as a faculty adviser to the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) and from Harvard Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine (FSJP). This decision comes after both groups faced significant backlash for sharing a post that contained an antisemitic image. Johnson’s wife, Alison Frank Johnson, confirmed his resignation when reached by phone on Tuesday evening.
The PSC released a statement acknowledging the ongoing conversations about Professor Johnson’s departure. They mentioned that his term was set to end in the spring, and he had already expressed his intention not to renew. The committee emphasized that Johnson’s resignation was a personal decision and that he continues to support their goals as an organization. They expressed gratitude for his time and support, wishing him the best in his future endeavors. On the other hand, the FSJP did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Following the initial backlash, the PSC took down the original post and uploaded a new version, clarifying that the previous one did not reflect their organizational values. They expressed regret for inadvertently including an image that played upon antisemitic tropes and emphasized their commitment to including the Jewish community in their pursuit of liberation.
Harvard’s Interim President, Alan M. Garber, was quick to condemn the antisemitic image in a University-wide email on Tuesday. He stated that perpetuating hateful antisemitic tropes or engaging in inflammatory rhetoric is contrary to what the current moment demands. Garber made it clear that such behavior is unacceptable within the Harvard community.
It is worth noting that Johnson was initially listed as the first signatory in FSJP’s founding statement. However, after the controversy surrounding the antisemitic image erupted, the list of FSJP members was removed from the website. This action suggests a response to the public backlash and a reevaluation of the organization’s leadership.
In an attempt to rectify the situation, FSJP issued an apology on Instagram for resharing the post with the offensive image. They acknowledged the hurt caused by these images and made it clear that they do not condone any form of hate or bigotry, including antisemitism. The organization reiterated its stance against all forms of discrimination and emphasized its commitment to justice.
Additionally, the PSC and the African and African American Resistance Organization, the two groups responsible for the initial sharing of the antisemitic image, issued a joint statement apologizing for the immense harm caused. They expressed deep regret for violating their internal standards and betraying their fundamental values of justice and liberation. The groups admitted that the inclusion of the offensive caricature was a painful error resulting from ignorance and inadequate oversight. They acknowledged that the image should have never been published in the first place, even though it was promptly removed.
It is evident that this incident has sparked significant controversy and debate within both the Harvard community and beyond. The resignation of Professor Walter Johnson from these groups reflects the severity of the situation and highlights the need for accountability when it comes to promoting inclusivity and combating hate speech. Moving forward, it is crucial for organizations and individuals alike to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
In conclusion, this incident serves as a reminder that universities, as centers of intellectual growth and diversity, must prioritize creating an inclusive environment for all. Antisemitism, along with any form of discrimination, has no place within academic institutions or society as a whole. It is essential to learn from these mistakes, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work towards building a more inclusive future.
