Eve Troutt Powell, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in the modern Middle East, has consistently used her academic position to spread inflammatory rhetoric, align with extremist ideologies, and trivialize the realities of terrorism. Through her public statements, participation in controversial events, and alignment with divisive organizations, Troutt Powell has fostered a climate of hostility, alienating students and undermining the principles of intellectual integrity and inclusivity that universities strive to uphold.
A History of Extremism and Antisemitism
Troutt Powell’s statements and actions repeatedly demonstrate a pattern of dismissing the suffering caused by terrorism while perpetuating antisemitic tropes:
- October 16, 2023 – Collective Walkout for Palestine:
At this rally, Troutt Powell rhetorically asked: “In everything that you’ve studied, students, have you ever heard of a people who stop fighting back?” This statement glorifies violent resistance, disregarding the civilian casualties of terrorism. She further trivialized historical atrocities by shouting: “Never again! This now is never again!” Comparing contemporary events to the Holocaust in this way is inflammatory and widely recognized as a form of antisemitism.
- Dismissal of Victims of Terrorism:
Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which included mass murder, torture, and the abduction of civilians, Troutt Powell consistently shifted focus away from these atrocities. On social media, she downplayed the significance of these crimes, describing concerns about extremist violence as “shrillness” meant to distract from “genocide.”
These actions align her with narratives that justify violence and dehumanize its victims.
Participation in Controversial Events
Troutt Powell has consistently lent her credibility as a faculty member to events and organizations that amplify extremist rhetoric:
- April 26, 2024 – Faculty Walkout:
Troutt Powell participated in this walkout, coinciding with the encampment on Penn’s campus. During her speech, she accused Israel of “scholasticide,” a term she used to describe the alleged destruction of Palestinian educational opportunities, further escalating tensions.
- October 2024 – Palestinian Solidarity Vigil:
Organized by Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine, Troutt Powell’s participation in this vigil further entrenched her alignment with divisive and polarizing narratives that isolate students and faculty with differing perspectives.
- Palestine Writes Literature Festival (September 2023):
Troutt Powell was a featured speaker and signatory of a faculty letter defending this highly controversial event, which faced widespread criticism for its promotion of antisemitic rhetoric. Held at Penn, the festival included speakers such as Susan Abulhawa, Roger Waters, and Refaat Alareer, individuals widely condemned for their inflammatory statements and extremist views. Despite the festival’s troubling content, Troutt Powell publicly endorsed it, framing it as an essential platform for free speech. Jewish students and faculty expressed feeling targeted and unsafe, with some describing the event as a glaring example of how antisemitism had become normalized on campus.
Litigation and Advocacy for Divisive Causes
Eve Troutt Powell’s engagement in legal and advocacy efforts reflects a troubling pattern of resisting accountability and fostering division on campus. Rather than promoting transparency or inclusivity, her actions have prioritized ideological agendas at the expense of campus safety and institutional integrity.
On March 9, 2024, Troutt Powell joined other faculty members in filing a lawsuit aimed at preventing Penn from providing documents to Congress during an investigation into antisemitism on campus. The lawsuit dismissed valid concerns about antisemitism as an “ontological error,” arguing that such claims were being used to suppress criticism of Israel. This attempt to shield the university from scrutiny not only undermined efforts to address legitimate student safety concerns but also sent a troubling message: that the grievances of Jewish students and faculty were not taken seriously. The case’s dismissal further highlighted the lack of legal merit in their arguments, yet the damage to trust within the university community remained.
Implications of Her Conduct as a Faculty Member
Eve Troutt Powell’s actions represent a blatant betrayal of her responsibilities as an educator and a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania. Instead of fostering critical thought and inclusivity, she has chosen to align herself with extremist ideologies, actively participate in divisive protests, and amplify rhetoric that alienates and intimidates students. By prioritizing political activism over her academic duties, she has weaponized her position to legitimize harmful narratives that undermine the university’s core values.
Her conduct directly jeopardizes the safety and well-being of the Penn community. Troutt Powell’s participation in protests that glorify violence and her trivialization of terrorism foster a hostile environment, particularly for Jewish students, many of whom now feel unsafe on campus. As a tenured professor, her influence amplifies these toxic messages, setting a dangerous precedent for faculty using their roles to spread hate rather than foster understanding.
This is not about free speech or academic freedom; it is about accountability. Troutt Powell has abandoned the fundamental principles of her role, choosing instead to actively contribute to division and fear within the institution. Her actions have not only eroded trust but have also tarnished Penn’s reputation as a place of learning, safety, and respect. For the university to reclaim its integrity, it must address her actions decisively—anything less is complicity in the very ideologies that threaten its community.
