CUNY Prof Suspended For 'Dead Cops' Tweet

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Michael Isaacson, an adjunct economics professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the public City University of New York system, was officially placed on administrative leave Friday for tweeting around three weeks earlier: "Some of ya’ll might think it sucks being an anti-fascist teaching at John Jay College but I think it’s a privilege to teach future dead cops."

After various media outlets aired the professor's Aug. 23 tweet this week, the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, a powerful NYPD union, called for him to be fired for his "disgusting anti-police attitudes and his gleeful embrace of political violence."

John Jay College President Karol Mason didn't go quite that far.

But she did announce Friday night that Isaacson would be placed on temporary leave, effective immediately, "out of concern for the safety of our students, faculty and staff" — some of whom she said have been receiving threats. (Scroll down for the president's full statement.)

UPDATE: Isaacson sent the following reaction to Patch late Friday night. "My biggest regret is putting my students and the John Jay faculty and staff at risk," he said. "That was not a risk that they assumed voluntarily, and that very much contravenes my political convictions. I deeply apologize to the John Jay community for making them the target of death threats and harassment. Today my class was guarded by three members of the John Jay public safety staff. I began my class late today so I could assure that as many students were present as possible to lead them in active shooter training. So much for free speech I guess."

The adjunct professor "will not be teaching" at the 59th Street and 10th Avenue campus until school officials finish their review of his actions, said Doreen Viñas-Pineda, a spokeswoman for the college, in an email. Asked if he would still be paid during this time, she said only: "That and other matters are under review."

Isaacson identifies publicly as a member of the Antifa, or anti-fascist, movement.

Here he is arguing with Fox News host Tucker Carlson about whether Antifa has really been "trying to stamp out speech using vigilante violence" (Carlson's words):

In a statement issued amid the backlash to his "dead cops" tweet, Isaacson explained: “I critique policing as an institution which operates at the behest of a state that increasingly represents the weapons and prison industry rather than the public they’re supposed to serve through decades of gerrymandering by both Republicans and Democrats. I illuminate this fact in my classes in the hopes that my students are able to choose a career path that does not put them in the position of having to act as an agent of that institution.”

On the John Jay website, Isaacson lists his research interests as "Human Capital Theory, Privatization and Enclosure, History of Fascist Political Movements, History of Anti-Fascist Political Movements, History of Labor Movements, History of the Capital Critique."

Below is the full letter on Isaacson from the John Jay College president.

To the John Jay College Community:

Many of you may be aware of recent statements made by a John Jay College adjunct on social media, television and in the press.

I want to state clearly that I was shocked by these statements. They are abhorrent. This adjunct expressed personal views that are not consistent with our college’s well known and firm values and principles and my own personal standards and principles. I am appalled that anyone associated with John Jay, with our proud history of supporting law enforcement authorities, would suggest that violence against police is ever acceptable. I join with the many students, faculty, alumni and other members of our community in condemning these statements. The John Jay alumni who work in law enforcement, and the students who aspire to careers in law enforcement, represent our best. They secure the safety of our families and communities and deserve our respect.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice has a mission of educating fierce advocates for justice – including the next generation of police and law enforcement professionals. While John Jay strongly supports and affirms the right of free speech and independent views and expressions by our faculty, students and staff, the statements made by the adjunct are the antithesis of what John Jay College represents.

We recognize that the open exchange of diverse, even opposing ideas and perspectives gives strength to our institution and enriches the educational experience of our students. Indeed, to fulfill our mission, it is vital that we support our students, faculty and staff in engaging in robust, civil, and vigorous debate about the issues of the day. While respecting free speech and academic freedom are deeply held values, expressions of hate or intimidation are not welcome in that civil discourse, nor is anything that can be perceived as an incitement to violence.

The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. Today, members of the John Jay faculty received threats, and our students expressed concerns for their safety in the classroom. Out of concern for the safety of our students, faculty and staff, we are immediately placing the adjunct on administrative leave as we continue to review this matter.

Karol V. Mason

President

Lead photo courtesy of CUNY