Sukaina Hirji, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, has used her academic platform to engage in divisive activism, aligning herself with extremist ideologies and contributing to the deterioration of campus safety. Rather than prioritizing her academic responsibilities, Hirji has been deeply involved in protests and events that glorify violence, foster division, and create an atmosphere of fear and hostility.
Disruptive Protest Involvement
Hirji played an active and visible role in the illegal encampments at UPenn from April to May 2024. These encampments disrupted campus life, violated university regulations, and created a climate of intimidation for the broader student body.
- Leadership Role in the Encampments:
As a leader in Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine (Penn FJP), Hirji publicly defended the encampments alongside her colleague Huda Fakhreddine. In May 2024, she admitted to taking an active role by leading “teach-ins” and promoting civil disobedience as a necessary part of protest. Her statements justified the encampments, omitting the open support for designated terrorist organizations that was prevalent at the protests.
- Impact on Campus Safety:
Hirji’s involvement in these protests, which included intimidation tactics and violations of campus policies, destabilized the environment and left many students feeling unsafe and marginalized. The encampments culminated in police intervention, arrests, and widespread concerns about the university’s inability to maintain order.
Spreading hate on social media
As a faculty member, she has a duty to foster inclusivity and critical thinking, yet Hirji has repeatedly used social media to amplify extremist rhetoric and support for controversial movements:
In March 2023, Hirji reposted a tweet calling for the dismantling of Zionism, aligning herself with rhetoric often associated with the delegitimization of Israel – a position that alienates large segments of the student body and undermines the principles of open dialogue.
Hirji reposted content from Penn FJP advocating for the dismissal of charges against students involved in disruptive protests, thus demonstrating a willingness to excuse behavior that violates university policies and creates instability on campus.
Through these actions, Hirji has leveraged her platform to legitimize disruptive and exclusionary rhetoric rather than upholding her responsibilities as an educator to encourage constructive and respectful discourse.
Promotion of Extremist Ideologies
Hirji’s alignment with Penn FJP, a group that advocates for violent resistance and supports intifada, underscores her commitment to ideologies that disrupt campus unity. She has also participated in events that amplify these narratives:
- Leading a “Resistance and Oppression” Workshop:
On October 11, 2024, Hirji co-hosted a workshop that propagated narratives of resistance, further fueling the divisive atmosphere on campus. Her involvement in these events not only normalizes inflammatory rhetoric but also encourages students to adopt polarizing positions.
- Philosophers’ Letter for Palestine:
Hirji signed a public letter supporting the academic and cultural boycott of Israeli institutions, aligning herself with PACBI (Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel), a movement often criticized for fostering academic discrimination.
Hirji’s actions as an academic are not neutral—they amplify polarizing narratives that destabilize the campus environment and undermine the principles of academic integrity and mutual respect.
A Threat to Campus Unity
Sukaina Hirji’s actions reflect a clear disregard for the safety and well-being of the student body and the principles of inclusivity and respect that universities should uphold. Her leadership in protests that glorify violence and her public advocacy for divisive ideologies create an environment where extremist views overshadow constructive dialogue.
By knowingly violating university policies, promoting extremist rhetoric, and fostering a climate of hostility, Hirji has failed in her ethical and professional responsibilities as an educator. Her actions demand accountability to restore safety, stability, and integrity at Penn.
