California college president on leave after siding with anti-Israel protesters: 'Painful'
ROHNERT PARK, Calif. (TND) — Sonoma State University President Mike Lee is on leave after supporting anti-Israel protesters at his school in a campus-wide memo.
Schools across the country have been home to Gaza solidarity encampments protesting the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists. Some organizers of these encampments have faced accusationsof being supporters of Hamas.
Lee on Tuesday issued an “encampment update” in which he seemingly applauded the actions of protesters on his campus.
“Student activism, protest, and dissent in service of social and political change are key democratic principles that allow us to imagine a more perfect union -- not only for ourselves, but also for others,” he wrote. “None of us should be on the sidelines when human beings are subject to mass killing and destruction.”Lee also wrote that he will be forming an “Advisory Council of Students for Justice in Palestine” which will host regular meetings with the school’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. The council will act as a liaison between the student group and school administrators.
“I, President Mike Lee, oppose and condemn all acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing, racism, antisemitism, and other activities that violate fundamental human rights,” he added. “And thus, I call for a cease-fire so that a process for permanent, peaceful resolution can be established.”
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However, Lee’s message “was sent without the appropriate approvals,” according to a follow-up statement from California State University Chancellor Mildred García.
“The Board’s leadership and I are actively reviewing the matter and will provide additional details in the near future,” García wrote. “For now, because of this insubordination and consequences it has brought upon the system, President Lee has been placed on administrative leave.”“I want to acknowledge how deeply concerned I am about the impact the statement has had on the Sonoma State community, and how challenging and painful it will be for many of our students and community members to see and read,” she continued. “The heart and mission of the CSU is to create an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone we serve, not to marginalize one community over another.”
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