Religion

The instructor was fired after a doula spoke in her class about clients having abortions. Antiabortion activists celebrated, while academic freedom advocates were horrified.

In the continuing debate over when, and how, higher education entities should comment on political issues like the Israel-Hamas war, disciplinary associations have received less attention. 

Belmont University’s new hire signals ramped-up support for Jewish students. Other Christian universities are also increasingly embracing students of other faiths.

“We cannot bomb our way to peace,” the statement from the association of professors says.

Administrators say the new policy was a necessary response to antisemitism, but many faculty members, students and free speech advocates fear it will chill free speech on campus.

The university reached out to Sidechat after student reports of “concerning” content.