The University of Washington returned the money donated for the Israel studies program after the scholar who led the program signed a letter that criticized Israel.
February 28, 2022
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Liora R. Halperin
The University of Washington has returned a $5 million gift from a donor intended for an Israel studies program, setting off a debate about academic freedom at the university and beyond.
The money funded, among other things, an endowed chair to be held by the head of the program. The chair was held by Liora R. Halperin, a scholar of Israel whose books and articles have won acclaim.
She, along with other scholars, signed a letter last year that criticized Israel.
