The University of California, Berkeley has opened a Title IX civil rights investigation into allegations that a law professor, Catherine Fisk, harassed a Muslim student, Malak Afaneh, during a dinner at Fisk’s home. The incident occurred on April 9, when Afaneh attempted to deliver a pro-Palestinian speech at the invitation-only dinner. It was reported that Fisk physically grabbed Afaneh, attempted to forcibly take her cell phone and microphone, and asked her to leave when she began speaking in support of Palestine and Ramadan. Video from the event showed Fisk trying to wrestle the microphone out of Afaneh’s hands before releasing her grip.
Afaneh, who is a leading organizer of the university’s anti-war encampment, has accused Fisk of silencing her due to her pro-Palestinian beliefs and labeled the incident as “clear Islamophobia.” Fisk, however, was recorded at the end of a video stating, “We agree with you about what’s going on in Palestine.” Fisk did not return a request for comment, and a university spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, citing it as a personnel issue. Fisk’s husband, Erwin Chemerinsky, who is Jewish, described the disruption as “ugly and divisive,” expressing sadness at students using a social occasion for their political agenda.
The clash between Fisk and Afaneh has become a point of contention and raised questions about free speech, Islamophobia, and antisemitism on college campuses. The incident comes at a time when students are protesting the war in Gaza, adding fuel to existing tensions involving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Afaneh’s accusation of Islamophobia and the university’s decision to launch a Title IX investigation into Fisk’s conduct highlight the complexities of addressing sensitive issues in educational settings and protecting students’ rights to express their opinions freely.
The investigation by the university’s Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination will look into the events that transpired at the dinner and determine whether Fisk’s actions constituted harassment and discrimination towards Afaneh. The outcome of the investigation could have implications for both Fisk and Afaneh, as well as for the broader issue of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment on campus. The incident underscores the challenges of balancing academic freedom and respectful discourse, particularly when conflicts arise over contentious political or social issues.
The clash between Fisk and Afaneh during the dinner at Fisk’s home reflects broader societal tensions relating to freedom of speech, religious and political beliefs, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The incident has sparked a debate over the boundaries of acceptable behavior in educational settings and highlighted the need for institutions to address allegations of discrimination and harassment promptly and effectively. The outcome of the Title IX investigation will likely have repercussions for how similar incidents are handled in the future and may influence the climate of dialogue and debate on college campuses around such contentious issues.
