The Austin Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin, Texas), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the belated stepping down of the University of Texas at Austin President Hartzell and hoped for a successive leadership that prioritizes free speech, academic freedom, and the wellbeing of all students.
SEE:UT President Jay Hartzell stepping down to be SMU’s next leader
During his tenure, President Hartzell actively suppressed members of UT Austin community who expressed dissenting perspectives on critical issues, including the university’s and elected officials’ roles in perpetuating genocide and war crimes against Palestinians. His administration unnecessarily invited state-sanctioned force against the campus peaceful, anti-genocide protestors in April last year.
Instead of apologizing for his pre-emptive censorship, President Hartzell justified his politically-charged decision, leading to 650 UT faculty members signing a letter of no confidence in his leadership and more than 5000 community members petitioning for his removal. Despite Travis County Attorney Delia Garza’s decision to drop the charges against the anti-genocide protestors, many of whom are students, the university administration disciplined those students in a manner that violates its own institutional rules.
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“We hope for a new leadership that truly reflects UT’s values and the diverse, tolerant spirit of Austin. As a public university, the administration is expected to uphold a higher level of protection of the First Amendment rights and academic freedom, create a safe and welcoming environment for all, and encourage more community engagement,” said Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: CAIR Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan,