December 17th 2024.
According to a report by CNN, a former high-ranking officer at the University of Michigan may be pursuing legal action after being terminated for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks about the university's relationship with the Jewish community. The individual in question, Rachel Dawson, held the position of director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives at the university.
The incident in question allegedly occurred during a conversation at an academic conference on diversity and equity in March 2024. Dawson was accused of stating, "The university is controlled by wealthy Jews" while speaking with two professors. Further accusations were made that she mentioned not working with Jews and made a comment about Jewish people having no genetic connection to the land of Israel.
As a result of these allegations, the university's Provost made the decision to terminate Dawson in early December 2024. The reasoning behind this decision was that her alleged actions were not in line with her job responsibilities, which included leading a multicultural office and supporting all students. However, Dawson's lawyer, Amanda Ghannam, refutes these claims and asserts that her client was actually given a warning letter on October 15 and placed on leave two weeks prior.
Ghannam argues that Dawson's termination is a violation of her constitutional rights as a public employee, stating that "the law is extremely clear that public employees are protected by their First Amendment rights." She also points out that there is a lack of evidence or recording of the alleged remarks, leading her to believe they are "complete fabrications."
The attorney also accuses the university of turning a blind eye to the alleged anti-Semitic remarks, labeling it as a straightforward free speech issue. She explains that the incident occurred when Dawson was approached by two individuals who initiated a conversation with her about the university and its supposed issues with anti-Semitism. When they did not like her response, they went after her employment, which Ghannam finds concerning as the university chose to side with these individuals over a well-respected leader on campus with a history of supporting all students.
Ghannam also highlights the resources and organizations available to students on campus, including those for Jewish students, to counter the accusation that the university is not supportive of the Jewish community. She also notes that Dawson's biography, which has since been removed from the university's website, spoke of her involvement and leadership in various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
This incident comes at a time of increased tension between the university's administration and pro-Palestinian students, as well as backlash over the university's plans to cut diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. In fact, just days before Dawson's termination, the home of a Jewish member of the university's Board of Regents was vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti.
Prior to her role as director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, Dawson held the position of managing director at the university's academic medical center for six years. As someone who has been actively involved in the university community, serving as a leader, collaborator, and DEI champion, it is unfortunate that her time at the university has ended in such a controversial and contentious manner.
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