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NYU Cancels Presentation by Former Doctors Without Borders Head Over Content Concerns
New York University (NYU) has canceled a scheduled presentation by the former international president of Doctors Without Borders, citing concerns that some of the slides, which addressed budget reductions at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), could be interpreted as “anti-governmental.” Dr. Joanne Liu, a pediatric emergency physician and McGill University professor, expressed her surprise at the decision, stating she was scheduled to speak about challenges in humanitarian crises at her alma mater.
Presentation Content Sparks Objections
Dr. Liu, formerly the international head of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), informed CTV News that she was slated to deliver a lecture at NYU on March 19. However, the evening before the event, she received a communication from the vice-chair of the education department. University officials raised objections regarding the content of specific slides, including those depicting casualties in Gaza resulting from the Israel-Hamas conflict and slides that discussed USAID funding cuts.
Slides Deemed Potentially “Antisemitic” and “Anti-Governmental”
According to Dr. Liu, who was already in New York at the time, university representatives indicated that the slides concerning Gaza “could be perceived as antisemitic,” while the USAID slides were flagged as potentially “anti-governmental”.
Cancellation Despite Offer to Edit
Dr. Liu offered to modify the presentation to address the concerns raised. However, just three hours later, the university administration issued an apology and formally canceled her presentation. Dr. Liu conveyed to CTV News that she was “stunned” by this abrupt reversal.
NYU Response Cites Policy Compliance
NYU Langone Health did not immediately provide an official statement. However, a spokesperson told CTV News that “guest speakers at our institution are given clear guidelines from the outset.” The spokesperson further stated, “Per our policy, we cannot host speakers who don’t comply,” and added that Dr. Liu was “fully compensated” for her travel and time.
“Climate of Fear” in Academia
Dr. Liu believes the cancellation reflects a broader “climate of fear” prevailing within US universities. She suggests institutions are increasingly engaging in pre-emptive “self-censorship” to avoid potential repercussions, particularly in the current academic environment.
Concerns Over Funding and External Pressures
Referencing events at Columbia University and threats of funding losses, Dr. Liu highlighted the vulnerability felt by academic institutions. Earlier this month, Columbia University faced pressure from the White House over pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The university ultimately agreed to certain changes to reinstate $400 million in federal funding, which had been withheld due to allegations of inadequate protection against antisemitic harassment.
Broader Implications for Academic Freedom
In a recent opinion piece in Le Devoir, Dr. Liu wrote about US universities being “in the crosshairs of presidential cuts.” She expressed empathy for both students feeling insecure on campus and university administrators striving to safeguard funding, jobs, research, and teaching. The incident raises questions about academic freedom and the pressures universities face in navigating politically sensitive topics.