EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
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Hacker News·Aug 9·5 min read
An Israeli professor lost a prestigious US job offer after speaking out on Gaza
TL;DR
Historian Raz Segal lost a prestigious job offer from the University of Minnesota after criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, leading to a $250,000 settlement. The university's decision was influenced by community backlash and pressure from donors and activists.
✦ Why It Matters
Support academic freedom by advocating for scholars facing backlash for their views.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the implications of community pressure on academic appointments.
- Recognize the importance of protecting free speech in academia.
- Engage in discussions about the role of donors in university governance.
- Support initiatives that promote diverse viewpoints in educational institutions.
Full Summary
Raz Segal, a historian, was offered a position to lead the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Minnesota in June 2024, following strong recommendations from an academic committee. However, just five days later, the university rescinded the offer due to community backlash against Segal's op-ed, which criticized Israel's actions in Gaza as genocidal.
Segal's critics accused him of justifying Hamas's actions, a claim he denied. After a public records request revealed a coordinated pressure campaign from donors and pro-Israel activists, Segal settled with the university for $250,000, asserting that his case exemplifies the risks faced by scholars who criticize Israel.
The incident raised significant concerns about academic freedom, as many faculty members and scholars supported Segal's right to express his views. Despite the settlement, the position remains unfilled, and Segal continues to advocate for his perspective on the situation in Gaza.