Reaching a Boiling Point
Northwestern University has reached a boiling point. Once recognized as the academic crown jewel of the Midwest, Northwestern has found itself at the unfortunate intersection of radicalization and its long-established prestige. Once spotlighted for it numerous high-ranking programs and cutting-edge research in life sciences, the university is now making headlines for hate, division and a brand of extremism that aligns with foreign terrorist organizations.
Campus life at this US top 40 university has transitioned away from quaint days on the quad and has become overtaken with illegal encampments, the shouting of antisemitic slogans and drums vibrating down the halls and corridors. On the surface, students appear to be leading the disturbance, but the ideology, the ideas and the fuel empowering the entire movement of hate, lies in the hands of Northwestern’s faculty.
The Faculty Behind the Hate
The root cause behind the radical student movement that has taken Northwestern by storm comes down to indoctrination, which is being ignited within the classrooms. There have been numerous incidents of professors pushing Hamas rhetoric in lectures completely unrelated to geopolitics, giving students extra credit to participate in protests and even giving them time to make up assignments that they may have missed while attending rallies.
Taking things a step further, there are a handful of Northwestern University professors who take part in the protest, guard student extremist and act as a support network for them when they face discipline for damaging property and shouting out antisemitic slogans. It has also become an accepted norm that these academics excuse and support US designated terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Professors, the pillars of our universities, the leaders who are supposed serve as guides for young students trying to find their way in the world, are instead leading them down a path toward radicalization. By misguiding our youths, they aren’t only diminishing their chances of growing into productive members of society, they are hurting our nation. The actions of these faculty members cannot be excused under the protection of academic freedom. Professional ethics have been breached on multiple levels.
The time to take action is now
Alithia Zamantakis
Alithia Zamantakis, a Research Assistant Professor in Medical Social Science at Northwestern University, has recently revealed herself as a radical activist who leverages her academic platform to demonize Zionism, glorify terrorists, and advance extremist, antisemitic narratives. Through her public actions and affiliations, Zamantakis has repeatedly undermined campus safety, academic integrity, and the principles of factual and respectful discourse.
Arthur Butz
Arthur Butz, a tenured associate professor of Electrical Engineering at Northwestern University, has spent decades promoting Holocaust denial, antisemitic conspiracy theories, and defending Nazi figures. His continued presence at Northwestern remains a stain on the university's reputation and an affront to truth, history, and the safety of Jewish students.
Elizabeth Shakman Hurd
Elizabeth Shakman Hurd, Professor of Political Science and Chair of Religious Studies at Northwestern University, has leveraged her academic standing to amplify pro-Hamas rhetoric, blur the lines between anti-Zionism and legitimate criticism, and embolden radical campus activism. Through her writings, speeches, and social media presence, Hurd advances narratives that distort the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and excuse extremist movements under the guise of academic inquiry and human rights advocacy.
Jessica Winegar
Jessica Winegar, a professor at Northwestern University and a long prominent figure in extremist movements against Jewish self-determination, she has leveraged her position to normalize anti-Zionism, promote antisemitic narratives, and advance support for groups with ties to terrorism. Through her activism and scholarly work, Winegar has consistently prioritized political radicalism over academic responsibility, contributing to an environment increasingly hostile to Jewish students and anyone opposing her views.
Sarah Schulman
Sarah Schulman, a Creative Writing professor at Northwestern University, has used her academic influence to promote antisemitic conspiracy theories, defend terrorist groups, and demonize Zionism Through her activism and public statements, Schulman has aligned herself with extremist organizations and contributed to an increasingly hostile environment for Jewish students and anyone with views that oppose her own.
Sheila Bedi
Sheila Bedi, a clinical professor of law at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and director of the Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic, has used her legal authority to enable and defend extremist activism under the cover of civil rights advocacy. Through direct involvement with radical protest movements and open support for pro-Hamas activism, Bedi has contributed to the erosion of campus safety and academic neutrality.
Shirin Vossoughi
Sheila Bedi, a clinical professor of law at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and director of the Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic, has used her legal authority to enable and defend extremist activism under the cover of civil rights advocacy. Through direct involvement with radical protest movements and open support for pro-Hamas activism, Bedi has contributed to the erosion of campus safety and academic neutrality.
Wendy Pearlman
Wendy Pearlman, a professor of Political Science at Northwestern University, has used her scholarship and public platform to legitimize Pro-Hamas narratives, defend radical activism, and normalize accusations of genocide against Israel. Through her advocacy, publications, and direct involvement in campus protests, Pearlman has contributed to a dangerous erosion of academic standards and fostered an environment increasingly hostile to anyone who opposes her views.
The Trump Administration’s Executive Order
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued two executive orders. One titled, “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorist and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,”, which would tackle extremist ideologies within American Universities. The order empowers the federal government to identify and deport foreign aliens who glorify terrorism and incite social unrest. The second Executive Order takes disciplinary aim on extremists, including tenured professors, who take part in or spread antisemitism.
Antisemitism at Northwestern
Antisemitism at Northwestern University is by no means a new phenomenon, it has lived in silence for decades. For example, one of those school’s long-standing, tenured professors, Arthur Butz, has been an open holocaust denier since the 1970’s. That said, since October 7, 2023, the antisemitism has been openly vocal and unapologetic. It has even been excused and encouraged by student extremist organizations like SJP and JVP, who are behind the majority of the hate rallies.
Vandalism to Campus Infrastructure
Along with the hate rallies, graffiti and other forms of property damage have become prevalent. On April 14, 2025, on the second day of Passover, Northwestern students woke up to hateful tagging on the walls of University Hall and Kresge hall. The graffiti was antisemitic in nature and a direct threat to the Jewish students and faculty on campus.
An Extremist or Educational Institution
Amid the consistent chaos and confusion at Northwestern University, one thing is extremely clear, it's that those least qualified are holding the most control. From April 2024’s illegal encampment, to the many tagging incidents, classroom disruptions and the nearly weekly hate rallies, it’s quite clear that chaos holds a special place in Northwestern’s code of conduct. Jewish students or anyone opposing the extremists are often met with intimidation, harassment and at worse, assault.
Faculty Inaction
Actions move mountains, while words blow in the wind. As of 2025, Northwestern University’s leadership has only given us words. In May 2024, Northwestern President Michael Schill stood before the House Committee on Education and Workforce and promised to take a hard stance against the rising trend of antisemitism on campus. He followed this up by giving protestors stern warnings and light suspensions. One year later and the situation has drastically deteriorated, and President Schill is dodging any requests for interviews.
Under Federal Investigation
Due to Northwestern’s failure to prevent antisemitic harassment during last spring’s pro-Palestinian encampment, its inadequate response to growing threats against Jewish students, and its violation of Title VI protections, Northwestern University has come under federal investigation. As a result, the Trump administration froze $790 million in federal funding and placed the university under heightened scrutiny by the Department of Education.
Campus Safety
The escalating hostility at Northwestern has transformed the campus from a place of academic pursuit into a battleground of intimidation. Jewish students, and others who refuse to conform to radical ideologies, now walk through campus fearing for their safety. With leadership paralyzed by inaction and faculty fueling unrest, Northwestern can no longer guarantee a secure learning environment.
Reputational Damage
Northwestern’s legacy as a world-class institution is crumbling under the weight of unchecked extremism. Once known for academic excellence, it is now making national headlines for antisemitism, chaos, and failure to protect its students. Every day of inaction deepens the stain on Northwestern’s reputation — and recovery will not come easily.
Financial Fallout
Northwestern is now paying the price for its failures. With $790 million in federal funding frozen and growing donor outrage, the financial stability of the university is under direct threat. Continued negligence could cost Northwestern not just its prestige — but its future.
Academic Decline
As extremism replaces scholarship, Northwestern’s academic standards are slipping. Faculty more focused on activism than education have compromised the university’s integrity, and the once-proud institution now faces a growing loss of credibility among students, parents, and academic peers.
Share and Spread the Word
Northwestern is at a breaking point. Extremism has infected the campus—not just among students, but deeply within the faculty ranks. Professors who should be guiding future leaders are instead fueling hatred, protecting agitators, and turning classrooms into breeding grounds for radicalization. Meanwhile, the administration stands paralyzed, offering empty promises while the crisis deepens.
This is a call to action—for students, alumni, donors, parents, and federal authorities—to step in where Northwestern’s leadership has failed. Without urgent intervention, Northwestern will no longer be recognized for excellence, but remembered for cowardice, collapse, and betrayal.