Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Historian Cancels Columbia Course over Trump Administration Deal
A famous history professor named Rashid Khalidi decided not to teach a class at Columbia University anymore.
He says the school made a deal with the US government, which he doesn't like.
The government was upset about how the university handled some protests.
The deal says Columbia will do more about antisemitism and change how it teaches about the Middle East.
Khalidi is worried this deal will make teachers and students afraid to share their opinions.
He thinks it will stop them from talking honestly about Israel and its policies.
Historian Rashid Khalidi canceled a Columbia University course.
Khalidi cited Columbia's agreement with the US government as the reason.
The agreement followed accusations of insufficient action against antisemitism during Gaza protests.
Columbia will expand its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies per the deal.
Khalidi believes the deal will stifle academic freedom and honest teaching.
- Who
- Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said professor emeritus of Modern Arab Studies
- What
- A historian canceled a Columbia University course due to a deal with the US government.
- When
- Announced in an open letter published Friday, referencing events in June.
- Where
- Columbia University
- Why
- Khalidi believes the deal will compromise academic freedom and honest teaching.
Historian's View
Columbia's View (Implicit)
Academic Freedom
Historian's View
The agreement will curtail academic freedom, allowing the university to punish views critical of Israel.
Columbia's View (Implicit)
N/A
Definition of Antisemitism
Historian's View
The deal's definition of antisemitism conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, hindering honest teaching.
Columbia's View (Implicit)
N/A
- Professor
- Rashid Khalidi
- University
- Columbia University
- Reason for Cancellation
- Deal with US Government
- US Government Accusation
- Insufficient action against antisemitism
- Deal Includes
- Expansion of Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies