Anti-Semitism at the University of Maryland
Anti-Semitic and Anti-Israel Activities
Anti-Israel Speakers
In May 9, 2016, Palestinian activist, Issa Amro, speaks in the Stamp Student Union. He states the following:
“There are two kinds of Israelis: fascists, and those who don’t care.”
In February 2018, Rutgers Professor, Brittney Cooper speaks at an event sponsored by the College of Education. In 2014, Professor Cooper wrote, "America’s sordid history of settler colonialism, slavery, mass incarceration and other racially driven social ills teaches us a lot about why our country identifies with Israel and it teaches us everything we need to know about why we shouldn’t."
Swastikas on Campus
As reported in the Washington Post, between September 28 and October 9, 2017, there are three incidents of swastikas found on the University of Maryland’s campus.
Students for Justice in Palestine at UMD
In April 2016, while Jewish students are holding their “Israel Day” event, anti-Israel protesters disrupt the celebration. (Bottom right) A picture of protestors marching through the cultural event was sent to Dr. Landa by an Israeli student who turned to her for support shortly after the incident.
In November 2017, several student groups submitted a bill that called for the university to divest from companies associated with Israel.
Pro-BDS Faculty
Many faculty members at the University of Maryland are outspoken supporters of the BDS movement. Professor Charles Manekin, was described in the New York Times:
Although not a member of the American Studies Association, he was pleased when the group voted in December not to collaborate with Israeli academic institutions — the “academic boycott.” He is “sympathetic” to B.D.S., as the global movement to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel is known.
By dismissing Melissa Landa, UMD has silenced one of the university's most outspoken opponents of the BDS movement, thus preventing students the opportunity to hear her anti-BDS views and denying pro-Israel students a staunch ally.
Dr. Landa attends UMD students' Israel Day celebration.
Upon return to campus, 2015 study abroad students hold a symposium on their experiences in Israel.
Without Melissa Landa on faculty any longer, the University of Maryland no longer offers any short-term study abroad programs to Israel.
For four years, Melissa created, directed, and led a 3-credit course in Israel, "Ethiopian Immigrants in Israel: Children, Families, and Education" and facilitated the participation of first generation college students and students of color.
2017 students pose with Yeshambel Kefale, assistant to Knesset Member Avraham Neguise.
Dr. Landa's 2014 Study Abroad Program in Israel "Ethiopian Immigrants in Israel: Children, Families and Education."
Short-Term Study Abroad to Israel No Longer Offered at UMD
Two months before Dr. Francine Hultgren dismissed Dr. Landa, Vice President for International Affairs sent Dr. Hultgren and Dr. O'Flahavan a letter of commendation about Melissa. The letter was intended to support Melissa's application for promotion. Neither Dr. Hultgren nor Dr. O'Flahavan informed her about receiving the letter. Following are excerpts of the letter:
Minority students, particularly African American and Latino students, have not been studying abroad in proportion to their population. Melissa has striven relentlessly to overcome these challenges, and with remarkable success...Melissa has been without peer as a fundraiser, insuring optimal inclusivity in her study abroad program. She is equally unrivaled when it comes to diversity. Over the course of four years, Melissa has recruited 36 students to participate in her program. Of those 36 students, an unheard of 40% are identified as minorities....
From where I sit, it seems to me that Melissa's program may help the College of Education. She has attracted participants to her program from across the curriculum, including students majoring in Journalism, Business, Public Policy, Anthropology, Criminology, and Public Health....Given that Melissa's program is currently the only study abroad program for the College of Education, it can certainly be used to attract students to your program. Melissa has also used her study abroad program for her research, resulting in presentations and most recently a paper that has been accepted by a peer- reviewed journal relating to education. I suppose that this published article will further enhance your strong reputation.
By taking US students to Israeli schools, with high proportions of minority and recently immigrated students, Melissa invites them to observe, discuss and analyze how a different culture addresses these populations differently. Those contrasts may allow students to become conscious of their own cultural assumptions and become more intentional as they become teachers in their diverse communities.
We in the Office of International Affairs recognize Melissa's work. She has offered one of the most interesting study abroad programs. She has stood out as a go-getter to widen access and expand diversity to our programming. She is committed to using international education to make better teachers here. She has been a wonderful mentor to faculty members who are looking to lead their first study abroad programs.