Fred Moten is not just a poet and professor—he is one of the most influential academic voices legitimizing anti-Israel extremism and embedding pro-terror narratives into elite academic discourse. Through speeches, writings, and institutional activism, Moten has helped normalize radical anti-Zionist rhetoric within NYU and beyond.

Endorsing Terror-Linked Movements

• Signed the Khalida Jarrar Solidarity Statement – In support of a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a designated terror group.
• Supported “Strike MoMA” – A campaign linking Israeli institutions to so-called “colonial violence,” often amplified by far-left radical networks that excuse Palestinian terrorism.
• Speaker at “The Coming Intifada” – Participated in a project with that name—a thinly veiled endorsement of violent uprising. Framing this as art or theory does not remove its role in glorifying bloodshed.

Pushing Academic Boycotts and Demonization of Israel

Moten has consistently advocated for the cultural and academic boycott of Israel, describing it as a “racial-military” state whose existence is upheld by “genocidal” structures. He argues Israel should not even exist in its current form, stating:

“Nation-states don’t have rights… the defense of Israel’s existence is a defense of the nation-state’s right to exist.”

By rejecting Israel’s right to exist, Moten crosses the line from criticism to denial of Jewish self-determination—a textbook example of modern antisemitism as defined by the IHRA.

Promoting Antisemitic Conspiracies Through “Art”

Moten couches his political rhetoric in poetry, theory, and high culture—but the message is the same:

• Zionism is equated to racism

• Israeli sovereignty is “settler colonialism”

• Palestinian terrorism is reframed as “resistance”

• Jewish national identity is erased under the guise of critique

He has celebrated books and events that frame Israel as inherently evil, while glorifying violent actors like Mohammed El-Kurd and radical BDS ideologues.

Radicalization in the Classroom and Beyond

Through his teaching at NYU Tisch, Moten commands influence over generations of artists and academics. His classes in “Black study” and “poetics” are infused with ideological extremism, blurring the lines between education and indoctrination.

• Expressed gratitude to Palestinians for launching BDS at a 2009 ASA conference

• Described Israeli policy as a system of “maiming” and racial control

• Regular speaker at events organized by anti-Zionist networks such as Learning Palestine, AMP, and BDS-linked groups

A Catalyst of Academic Extremism

• Participated in the “Anti-Zionist Idea” symposium at the University of Toronto
• Co-authored radical works like “The Undercommons” which theorizes resistance as a form of disruption, now co-opted by extremist protest networks
• Active contributor to Learning Palestine content—described as “educational,” but steeped in one-sided propaganda

Why Fred Moten Is a Threat to Campus Safety and Intellectual Integrity

• Mainstreams the ideology of terror-linked organizations
• Erases Jewish history and identity under academic pretense
• Endorses movements and figures who excuse or glorify violence
• Radicalizes students through art and theory into political extremism
• Uses NYU’s prestige as a shield to avoid accountability

Bottom Line:

Fred Moten is not simply a professor or poet. He is a powerful voice in the academic left who has repeatedly aligned with terror apologists, normalized antisemitism, and used his institutional position to give cover to movements that threaten Jewish students, Israel’s existence, and academic freedom itself.

He should not be given a platform to spread hate disguised as theory.
NYU must uphold its responsibility to protect all students—especially those being targeted by Moten’s ideological networks.