Dr Steven Salaita (born in 1975) is an American professor of comparative literature and post-colonialism and is the author of an award-winning book. He became embroiled in a controversy regarding freedom of speech for faculty at American universities when his offer of employment was withdrawn from UIUC by Chancellor Dr. Phyllis Wise, a move some regard as an infringement on Salaita’s freedom of speech. During the 2014 conflict between Israel and Gaza, he had published tweets that were seen as criticism of the Israeli government, support for terrorism and as threats of violence against supporters of Israel. As a result of his outspoken critique of the university’s handling of his situation, Haaretz notes that Salaita has established “celebrity status on the lecture circuit.”
Last updated: January 2015