Education
MESA report documents 196 punitive actions against pro-Palestine academics in US and Canada
October 11, 2026 at 01:57 PM
The Middle East Studies Association reported 196 actions against US and Canadian university academics and staff for pro-Palestinian stances since October 2023, with 76 losing work.
- The report, titled "Lessons in Repression," recorded 76 cases ending in termination, 59 suspensions, 35 investigations, and 26 other reprimands.
- The association said 54% of cases involved campus activities outside classrooms, 16% off-campus activities, and 12% social media posts, with 11% tied to teaching.
- MESA accused political actors, donors, and board members of pressuring institutions and warned the actions threaten free speech and academic independence.
- Gonzaga professor Andrea Brauer left her job in July 2025 after a seven-month investigation, a case documented in the report.