"UC Professors Challenge President's Call for 'Viewpoint-Neutral' Middle East History"

A group of University of California professors have signed a public letter opposing the university president's call for a "viewpoint-neutral history of the Middle East," arguing that it violates their academic freedom. The professors argue that the administration should not determine how and what they teach, as it sets a dangerous precedent for other academic fields. They also express concern about the potential constraints on critical speech and the academic integrity of Middle East scholars. The University of California responded by stating that the proposed programming is voluntary and that they are committed to shared governance and academic freedom.