Activists support Columbia professor who claims forced retirement over Palestine advocacy

Katherine Franke, a law professor at Columbia University, claims she was forced to retire due to her pro-Palestinian advocacy. She stated that the university created a hostile environment for debate on Israel and Palestine, impacting her ability to teach and conduct research. Franke's resignation follows protests on campus against Israel's actions in Gaza, which led to calls for the university to divest from Israel. Critics argue that Columbia's response to these protests has stifled free speech and created a toxic atmosphere for pro-Palestinian voices. Columbia University has faced backlash for its treatment of Franke, with support from various academics and organizations. An investigation into her comments about Israeli students concluded that she violated university policies, which Franke disputes and plans to appeal.