A week ago, the University of Illinois rescinded a faculty job offer to Steven Salaita, a scholar of American Indian studies. Salaita also draws comparisons between American Indian studies and the Israeli-Palestinan conflict. He comments frequently on Israel including controversial tweets attacking Israel using incredibly provocative language. Cary Nelson, an Illinois English professor, long time president of the Association for University Professors (AAUP), and an often outspoken supporter of faculty supported the administration’s move.

Many faculty advocates have criticized Nelson as well as Illinois for violating Salaita’s academic freedom by taking away the job offer. This debate is complicated by the university’s timing in removing the offer which occurred just before the start of the new academic year. Although the university’s timing was unfortunate and should not have happened, the ensuing debate often seems to misunderstand the nature of academic freedom.