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The following are the digital epistolaries that the editors at Theory & Event have archived concerning the termination of Steven Salaita's contract at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. All of these materials, which are in the public domain, were provided to us by the authors for this purpose. As we mention in the Introduction to this issue, the event of termination generated a plethora of similar missives on the internet. We offer this collection here - unedited and unremarked - in their full presentational force (Davide Panagia and James Martel).
Chancellor Phyllis Wise
Office of the Chancellor
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
August 4, 2014
Dear Chancellor Wise:
I am writing with regard to your decision to withdraw the appointment of Professor Steven Salaita on the basis of comments he has made on Twitter, Facebook and other public media regarding the conflict in Palestine and Israel. Freedom of speech was established to secure speech of exactly this kind: political speech that people (especially the majority of people) are likely to find offensive or outrageous. Academic freedom is meant similarly to secure the right of academics to express themselves truthfully, however unpopular their views may be. Professor Salaita has the right of every citizen to express himself on issues of public moment, and to express himself intemperately if he chooses. No university can or should abridge that right. On the contrary, it is the duty of all universities to shelter controversial, contentious, and uncomfortable speech. If there is to be a litmus test on "tasteful" or "appropriate" opinions, you have abandoned your University's commitment to academic freedom. Surely, you do not claim the right to determine what University employees may and may not say with regard to the important political issues of our day?
What is even more disturbing in this case is the appearance that you are acting at the behest of individuals and political groups who have political views opposed to Professor Salaita. Are you applying this execrable policy with an even hand? Have you reviewed the tweets, public statements and Facebook posts of all employees? On all issues of public moment? Or simply those of one man, on the issue of Palestine?
I call on you to rescind your decision to deny Professor...