University removes politicized slide, affirms zero tolerance for antisemitism in academic instruction amid campus tensions.
Vanderbilt University has opened a formal inquiry into a mathematics lecturer after a classroom slide referencing “Palestinian territory” and Israeli “occupation” triggered backlash from watchdog group StopAntisemitism.
The controversy centers on Tekin Karadağ, a senior lecturer in the mathematics department. According to critics, a calculus example framed territorial changes in explicitly political terms, asking students to calculate the shrinking “width” of land allegedly decreasing due to Israeli actions. The slide reportedly included language associated with pro-Palestinian activism and was categorized under “examples related to popular issues.”
Following complaints, the university confirmed the material was removed and a review process initiated under institutional policy.
“The university has received reports alleging a member of the faculty engaged in unprofessional conduct related to content shared during course instruction,” Vanderbilt stated. “The content in question has been removed, and a formal inquiry has been initiated.”
Karadağ, who earned his PhD from Texas A&M University in 2021, has not publicly commented on the matter.
Campus Response
Vanderbilt Hillel welcomed the administration’s swift action, emphasizing that academic subjects such as calculus should remain free from political advocacy.
The statement stressed that instruction must not be used to “inculcate the class with personal biases and politics,” reinforcing expectations of professional neutrality in coursework unrelated to Middle Eastern studies.
The incident reflects broader national scrutiny over political rhetoric in higher education. A recent report from Columbia University’s antisemitism task force noted that students frequently encountered advocacy related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in courses unrelated to the subject area.
Broader Context
Vanderbilt has previously taken firm action regarding campus demonstrations. In March 2024, the university was among the first to expel students involved in pro-Palestinian protest activities that violated campus policies.
Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League recently upgraded Vanderbilt’s antisemitism campus rating from a “C” to an “A,” citing institutional responsiveness and policy enforcement.
As universities nationwide grapple with balancing academic freedom and classroom neutrality, Vanderbilt’s response signals a firm stance against politicization of instruction and heightened vigilance regarding antisemitism concerns.
