An administrator with the diversity, equity, and inclusion office at the University of Michigan was terminated after being accused of making antisemitic comments. The incident involved Rachel Dawson, who held the position of director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives.
Allegations against Dawson included statements such as 'the university is controlled by wealthy Jews' and 'We don’t work with Jews. They are wealthy and privileged and take care of themselves.' Additionally, she was accused of making remarks suggesting that Jewish people have no genetic connection to the land of Israel.
Dawson's attorney denied these allegations, stating that she did not make any antisemitic comments. Prior to her termination, Dawson had received a written warning and was briefly placed on leave.
The university, in response to the allegations, engaged an outside law firm to investigate the matter. The firm's memorandum indicated that while there was no definitive proof of Dawson's remarks, the available evidence supported the claims made by the Anti-Defamation League of Michigan.
The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions at the university, including demands for divestment from Israel by pro-Palestinian students and recent vandalism targeting a Jewish member of the Board of Regents. The university has faced criticism over proposed cuts to its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Prior to her role in the diversity office, Dawson had been serving at the university for six years in various capacities. The legal implications of Dawson's termination are being considered, with her attorney citing potential violations of her constitutional rights as a public employee.
