Mohammed, a student at Cornell University, has been cautious about attending pro-Palestinian protests since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. He advises his fellow demonstrators to take safety precautions and be vigilant. However, his concerns go beyond campus tensions. As an aspiring researcher, Mohammed fears that speaking out about the war could jeopardize his future career and those of his classmates. Many protesters advocating for Israeli and Palestinian causes in the United States share these anxieties about potential professional repercussions.
Recent high-profile cases have confirmed these fears. A Hollywood agent resigned from Creative Artists Agency (CAA) after facing backlash for comparing Israeli actions to “genocide” on social media. Similarly, the editor of Artforum was fired for publishing an open letter from artists calling for an end to civilian harm. Discrimination against students is often reported, as they have limited experience and professional networks to fall back on. This silences many students who fear losing professional opportunities.
Isabella, a PhD student at Harvard University, also uses a pseudonym to protect her identity. She explains that students are forced to choose between their advocacy and professional aspirations. Harvard faced backlash when 30 student groups signed a letter holding Israel “responsible for all the unfolding violence.” Wall Street executives demanded to know the students behind the letter to avoid hiring them. Some students faced doxxing, where personal information is shared online to shame or intimidate individuals. Canary Mission and Accuracy in Media, anonymous websites, continued to publish information about pro-Palestinian students, leading to threats and harassment.
Various Ivy League campuses have seen mobile billboard trucks appearing near them, denouncing students as anti-Semites. Palestinian students face threats of violence and anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic messages. Organizations like Palestine Legal have received over 400 complaints concerning advocacy during the Israel-Hamas war. The workplace climate for students and professionals resembles the period leading up to the Iraq War, with anti-Muslim sentiment and reprisals becoming more prominent due to social media.
The law provides little protection against employers making hiring decisions based on online findings. While federal law prohibits discrimination based on certain factors, such as race and religion, concepts like “at-will employment” allow private companies to terminate or withdraw offers at their discretion. Proving hiring discrimination is challenging, and the practice of “blacklisting” students falls into a legal gray area. Intimidation tactics, like billboard trucks, contribute to a climate of fear among students.
Despite the risks, Mohammed remains resolute in speaking out against genocide. He believes no job offer is worth his silence.