August 12, 2025
The recent decision to cancel a special issue of an educational journal focusing on Palestine highlights the growing trend of censorship in academic circles. This situation raises significant concerns about the freedom of expression within educational institutions, as noted by Thea Renda Abu El-Haj and Jo Kelcey.
Speculation is rampant regarding how far this prestigious university will go in yielding to governmental pressures aimed at undermining higher education. Not long ago, the institution was praised for its stance against governmental interference. However, reports suggesting that it might consider a substantial financial settlement to address allegations of fostering antisemitism and promoting diversity initiatives have left many astonished. This apparent shift in policy raises questions about the university’s commitment to academic integrity, particularly regarding the sensitive topic of Palestine, which has been a point of contention for scholars in the field.
The journal was poised to publish a special issue this summer dedicated to the intersection of education and Palestine, a subject that has gained urgency following the recent military actions in Gaza. This issue was commissioned in early 2024 and aligned with the journal’s mission to address critical educational challenges. The articles, which had undergone the necessary editorial processes, were already being promoted at significant educational conferences. Yet, in an unexpected turn of events, the university decided to cancel the entire issue.
As reported by a leading news outlet, the publishing group responsible for the journal made a sudden and unilateral decision to withdraw the special issue. This abrupt cancellation raises serious questions about the motivations behind such a move.
Among the contributors to the special issue, we had prepared an article detailing the experiences of Palestinian educators during the Lebanese civil war. As the publication date approached, we were taken aback to learn that the publishing group intended to submit the entire issue for an unusual last-minute legal review. This step was unprecedented, as all articles had already been accepted and were under contract, with no prior concerns raised about their content.
In response to this unexpected legal scrutiny, all authors involved expressed their strong opposition to this additional review in a formal letter. Following our refusal, communication from the publishing group ceased for nearly a month, only to culminate in the cancellation of the entire issue, citing issues with editing and internal processes. Such procedural claims have often been used to suppress discourse, particularly regarding Palestine, and there is no valid justification for the complete cancellation of the special issue.
This incident exemplifies the so-called “Palestine exception,” a term that describes how institutions that typically advocate for free expression often restrict it when it comes to discussions about Palestine. The timing of this decision coincides with a broader political climate that has weaponized accusations of antisemitism to target student activists and academic institutions.
Particularly troubling is the recent adoption of a controversial definition of antisemitism by the university, which has faced widespread criticism for equating legitimate critiques of Israel with antisemitism. This conflation complicates discussions about Israel’s policies and actions towards Palestinians, further marginalizing Palestinian voices.
Even prior to the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, scholars advocating for Palestinian rights faced significant challenges, including tenure denials and threats to their safety. The situation has worsened since late 2023, with numerous universities canceling events focused on Palestinian rights and suppressing student protests against Israeli actions.
The cancellation of this special issue represents a troubling escalation in the suppression of academic discourse. It suggests that even institutions that pride themselves on their liberal values are willing to silence legitimate critiques of Israeli policies. This anticipatory censorship is reminiscent of the tactics employed by authoritarian regimes worldwide, and as more universities adopt the controversial definition of antisemitism, we fear that academic freedom will continue to be compromised.
The implications of this trend extend far beyond academia. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with a staggering death toll and ongoing educational disruptions, the need for open dialogue and democratic engagement becomes increasingly critical. Knowledge and debate are essential to prevent the atrocities currently unfolding in the region.