JERUSALEM (JTA) — Jewish studies scholars have responded to the University of Cincinnati’s decision to discipline a tenured professor of modern Jewish history.
Professors from the United States and Israel took out an advertisement last month in the daily Cincinnati Enquirer in support of Mark Raider, accusing the university of “persecuting” Raider and “undermining” its own Judaic studies department, The Forward reported Wednesday.
Raider is accused of misusing university funds for research and travel. He has been removed as head of the Judaic studies department and from his endowed chair. Valerie Hardcastle, dean of the university’s McMicken College, also moved to fire Raider.
A university grievance committee panel voted against dismissing Raider in a March 5 report.
The advertisement says the harsh punishments suggest the university is hostile against not only Raider but toward the field of Jewish studies.
Some university officials have argued that disciplinary action is the appropriate response for the alleged crime.
Raider has sued the university, arguing that Hardcastle tried to fire him since he opposed her on matters concerning the Judaic studies department.
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