Book Event hosted by Partner Organization: Jewish Identity and Antisemitism Collective (JIAAC)

This timely work is the first to examine what impact antisemitism has had on the fundamental principles the academy relies on for its identity —academic freedom, free speech rights, standards for hiring or firing faculty members and administrators, and the ethics of academic conduct and debate.

Antisemitic hatred is spreading through academic campuses and communities alike at a fever pitch. The worsening environment shows little evidence of disappearing. What are its roots and what can we do to combat it? What steps can counter it? What damage to students is done when departments embrace anti-Zionism? Should faculty members face consequences for promoting antisemitism on social media? Should universities make a new push to adopt the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism?

Professor Nelson’s book was awarded the 2024 Bernard Lewis prize from ASMEA, the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa.

Dr. Nelson’s book is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dwkNEDC

and on the publisher’s web: https://www.academicstudiespress.com/9798887194202/

Event Structure

• Welcome and Introduction by Moderator

• Author’s Book Introduction

• Four Topic-Based Discussion Segments (30 minutes each)

• 15 minutes: Professor Nelson’s presentation

• 15 minutes: Moderated audience discussion

• General Discussion and Q&A

• Closing Remarks

Why Attend

• Understand the complex relationship between hate speech and academic freedom

• Explore practical approaches to combating antisemitism on campus

• Engage in meaningful dialogue about academic institutions’ responsibilities

• Learn about the implications of anti-Zionism in academic contexts

• Discuss the role of social media in shaping campus discourse

• Discuss how these issues relate to your life and work

About the Author

Cary Nelson is Jubilee Professor of Liberal Arts & Sciences Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an affiliated faculty member at the University of Haifa. He served as national president of the American Association of University Professors and is currently Chair of the Alliance for Academic Freedom.

Dr. Nelson is the author or editor of 36 books, including six about the intersection of antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hate Speech and Academic Freedom: The Antisemitic Assault on Basic Principles was published in April 2024.

His earlier books addressed most of the major issues confronting the academy: academic freedom, collective bargaining, contingent labor, corporatization, globalization, the internet, political correctness, sexual harassment, and the relationship between teaching and research. He regularly lectures around the United States and abroad and is frequently interviewed about higher education.

About the Host Organization

The Jewish Identity and Antisemitism Collective (JIAAC) is proud to present this inaugural book celebration event.

JIAAC brings together psychologists, social workers, academics, and mental health professionals dedicated to understanding and addressing antisemitism in our communities and campuses. Born as a grassroots response to the growing ostracization of individuals for their Jewish identity and beliefs, we serve both Jewish and non-Jewish communities through education and support.

JIAAC’s mission focuses on:

• Educating about Jewish Identity and Israel’s ongoing story

• Providing reliable, fact-based information on the Jewish experience

• Building group connections and community resilience

• Creating resources for understanding and combating antisemitism