Admission of Falsehood by Student Groups:

Upon uncovering the full video, it was evident that Professor Strauss had articulated a different sentiment. Caught in their lie, ‘Trojans for Palestine’ admitted that Professor Strauss did, in fact, only refer to Hamas. Yet, they doubled down on their ridiculous slander campaign by arguing that Strauss meant to say all Palestinian supporters. They did this in a 24-hour Instagram story. Meanwhile, the deceptively cropped videos continue circulating on social media and going viral.

​

Annenberg Media’s Article and Journalistic Malpractice: 

The Annenberg Media article, published by Jen Byers, is dangerously biased, violating the very tenets of journalistic standards. By fragmenting the Professor’s quote, the article falsely implies he addressed all Palestinian civilians rather than just Hamas. The article’s subtitle exemplifies this intentional narrative distortion: ‘I hope they all are killed’ walking by an event mourning Palestinian deaths.’ The report’s clear bias and deliberate omission of words and crucial context are a misrepresentation of truth and a troubling display of journalistic malpractice.

​

The repercussions are stark, with strangers issuing unduly attacks against Professor Strauss. This falsely manufactured outrage inflames the student body, igniting further strife on campus. Meanwhile, Professor Strauss is enduring harassment across multiple platforms, including his email inbox, Rate My Professor, and social media. Examples of threats include: “I hope you die, you fascist pig” to “I hope you’re fired.”

​

Unjust Administrative Action & Safety Concerns:

Due to the false accusations and manipulated reporting that have fueled calls for his termination, the Office of the Provost put Professor Strauss on administrative leave and barred from campus, citing 'safety concerns.'

 

It prompts question: Is this just an appeasement strategy, giving concessions to the students who are threatening the Professor?

​

Regardless, we are not in days of the Holocaust; Jews should not have to hide for our safety. Perpetrators of violence and false accusations should be expelled, not the victims of their abuse. USC should offer Professor Strauss proper protection in the coming months.

​

Impact on the Jewish Community:

The dehumanizing rhetoric and disturbing actions of those who support Hamas have created a hostile environment of fear and anxiety on our campus. Despite the government’s condemnation of rising antisemitism on campus, our peers continue to rip down hostage posters and chant hate speech with brazen arrogance. Professors at USC have expressed venomous antisemitic sentiments without facing any consequences. Students have marched through campus, calling for violence against Jews, and the University has allowed it in the name of free speech.

 

With that backdrop, the forced administrative leave of Professor Strauss, based on a misinterpretation of his statements, contributes to a sense of insecurity. Simply put, Jewish students don’t feel safe.

The Antisemitic Double Standard: Free Speech

To this point, we were concerned about the University’s inaction in the face of a hostile environment for Jewish students. We are doubly concerned by the University’s impulsive action against a Jewish professor based on a false accusation.

 

While Professor Strauss was banned from campus, a USC Annenberg adjunct professor promoted antisemitic views to her class without consequence. This journalism professor publicly endorses Hamas as a 'resistance movement' and refers to the October 7 terrorist attack as a 'supremely defensive act' that 'targeted only Israeli military bases and compounds.' Please click here to read her statements for yourself.

 

There is a clear double standard when the University takes no action against professors who openly promote the genocidal rhetoric and antisemitic views of a U.S. designated terrorist organization, but disciplines a Jewish Professor after saying such terrorists should be eliminated. 

​

CALL TO ACTION: 

We demand that the University of Southern California promptly reinstate Professor Strauss with adequate protection and conduct a comprehensive review of University policies.

​

1. Reject Antisemitism:

• Strongly condemn any form of antisemitism.

• Advocate for re-evaluating individuals and groups promoting hate speech and/or violence.

• Review and create a policy to take further action against those who rip down posters of hostages shamelessly.

​

2. Demand Re-Evaluation:

• Call for a comprehensive review of the incident by University authorities.

• Emphasize the importance of considering manipulated evidence and false accusations against Professor Strauss.

• Demand the immediate reinstatement of Professor Strauss to his regular teaching duties.

​

3. Ensure Safety and Community Support:

• Demand appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Professor Strauss and the Jewish Community.

• Desire greater transparency from the University about events such as these to foster a sense of safety.

​

4. Examine University Policies and Issue Apology:

• Demand a re-examination of all University policies regarding suspending professors.

• Call for a review of policies concerning student-led groups.

• Kindly request a public apology from the University addressing all of the mischaracterization related to Professor Strauss. Furthermore, the apology should acknowledge the additional stress, fear, and anxiety that has been unjustly caused to him.

• Emphasize the need for accurate messaging from the University to rectify the damage caused by misinformation.

​

5. We stand united in urging USC to drop the ongoing investigation of Professor John Strauss immediately.

 

In light of the disturbing incidents and their impact on the USC community, there's an immediate and pressing need for transparency and accountability from: 

 

Carol Folt, Title IX Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX USC Office, and all USC administrators.

​

The Trojan community, including students, faculty, and alums, is united in its call for USC to take decisive action. This entails thoroughly investigating the events surrounding Professor Strauss and the subsequent disinformation campaign. Clear and transparent communication of the findings and the actions taken is vital to rebuild trust within the USC community. In our standing for integrity and justice, our united voice aims to restore the principles that define our Trojan Community and Family.