In a Hard Knock Radio interview, Davey D speaks with Dr. Hatem Bazian about academic freedom, student activism, and civil rights. They discuss government crackdowns on pro-Palestinian voices and efforts to silence dissent in higher education. The conversation explores political trends targeting ethnic studies and civil rights in the United States.
The Arrest and Deportation of Mahmoud Khalil
The discussion begins with the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and activist who was arrested, detained, and deported. His removal is part of an escalating campaign against student activism, particularly targeting those who stand in solidarity with Palestine.
Dr. Bazian contextualizes this as part of an effort to intimidate universities and discourage academic freedom. He warns that institutions like UC Berkeley are also under threat, with funding cuts and political interference being used to stifle dissent.
Defunding Universities and Silencing Ethnic Studies
One alarming revelation is that universities face financial punishment for supporting pro-Palestinian activism. Columbia University risks losing $400 million in funding. To regain funding, they must accept political oversight. One condition includes placing African American Studies under Trump’s control.
Dr. Bazian sees this as part of a broader rollback of civil rights, linking it to historical efforts to undermine Black studies, ethnic studies, and social justice movements.
Weaponizing Anti-Semitism to Silence Critics
A key topic is how pro-Israel groups use anti-Semitism accusations to silence Palestinian solidarity. They also target Black Lives Matter. Progressive activists face similar attacks.
While far-right figures like Steve Bannon openly push anti-Semitic narratives, they are shielded from accountability because of their support for Israel. Meanwhile, Jewish activists who challenge Israeli policies face backlash and suppression. This contradiction, Dr. Bazian argues, reveals the political manipulation of anti-Semitism to serve a right-wing agenda.
The Divide and Conquer Strategy in U.S. Politics
Davey D and Dr. Bazian also explore how U.S. leaders exploit racial and political divisions to maintain power. Instead of addressing systemic issues, political elites pit marginalized groups against each other.
For example, some Black communities feel frustrated that solidarity with Palestine did not always translate into solidarity with Black struggles. Others express resentment toward progressives who failed to support key elections, allowing far-right leaders to gain power.
Dr. Bazian stresses that these internal divisions only benefit those in positions of power, deflecting attention from the real architects of oppression.
The Historical Roots of Immigration Crackdowns
The conversation also examines how immigration laws have been weaponized to criminalize activism. Dr. Bazian traces these tactics back to Ronald Reagan’s administration in the 1980s, which used national security laws to justify deporting political dissidents.
These laws expanded under Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, allowing the government to target immigrants, green card holders, and activists under the pretext of counterterrorism.
The Erosion of Academic Freedom
Universities across the country—including Berkeley, UCLA, and Columbia—now face intense government scrutiny. Dr. Bazian warns that under Trump’s influence, universities may be forced into ideological conformity, suppressing research and perspectives that challenge dominant political narratives.
A recent proposal by the UC Board of Regents pushes for “point-of-view neutral teaching”, which could restrict professors from sharing their expertise on political and historical issues. Dr. Bazian compares this to Cold War-era censorship, where dissenting academics were monitored, silenced, or removed.
Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Resistance
The conversation underscores an urgent need for coalition-building among marginalized communities to push back against authoritarianism. Dr. Bazian calls for defending academic freedom, protecting civil rights, and resisting the growing surveillance state.
For more insights, follow Dr. Hatem Bazian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where he continues to analyze and respond to these pressing issues.
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