Current:Home > MarketsArizona State University scholar on leave after confrontation with woman at pro-Israel rally -TrueNorth Finance Path
Arizona State University scholar on leave after confrontation with woman at pro-Israel rally
View
Date:2025-04-21 06:48:52
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State University officials say a postdoctoral research scholar remains on leave as the school investigates his videotaped confrontation with a hijab-wearing woman at a pro-Israel rally last weekend.
Sunday’s event was held near the university’s Tempe campus and attended by Jonathan Yudelman, a scholar at ASU’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.
Yudelman was identified on multiple social media platforms as being in a brief cellphone video that shows him arguing and cursing at the unidentified woman who appeared to be a Muslim wearing a tan-colored head scarf.
“I’m literally in your face. That’s right,” Yudelman tells the woman, who is seen in the video backing away as he repeatedly advances toward her.
After the woman tells Yudelman that he’s disrespecting her religious boundaries, he replies “you disrespect my sense of humanity” and adds a profanity.
The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has called for the university to fire Yudelman.
A statement posted Wednesday on the school’s media relations webpage said Yudelman was placed on leave Monday pending the outcome of an investigation into the video. It also said he’s not permitted to go on campus, teach classes or interact with students or employees.
“The current investigation is being conducted consistent with the university’s procedures for employee discipline,” the statement added. “Arizona State University protects freedom of speech and expression but does not tolerate threatening or violent behavior. While peaceful protest is welcome, all incidents of violent or threatening behavior will be addressed.”
University officials said they referred the matter to the Tempe Police Department for a criminal investigation since it took place on a city sidewalk.
Yudelman hasn’t replied to several emails this week seeking comment on his situation.
He was interviewed by Phoenix television station KPNX before the confrontation and decried what he described as “Jewish students being intimidated.”
In the interview, Yudelman also described pro-Palestinian protests at universities across the country as “campuses being taken over by supporters of terrorism.”
veryGood! (2337)
Related
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- WNBA playoffs: Players to watch in the semifinal round
- Sister Wives: Janelle Brown Calls Out Robyn Brown and Kody Brown for “Poor Parenting”
- Map shows 19 states affected by listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meat
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Minnesota football's Daniel Jackson makes 'Catch of the Year' for touchdown vs Michigan late
- Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 game-worn pants will be included in Topps trading cards
- Josh Allen's fresh approach is paying off in major way for Bills
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- As theaters struggle, many independent cinemas in Los Angeles are finding their audience
Ranking
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick upset with controversial unnecessary roughness penalty in loss
- Chemical fire at pool cleaner plant forces evacuations in Atlanta suburb
- Clemson University to open arena, outdoor wellness center for area residents after Hurricane Helene
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Appeals stretch 4 decades for a prisoner convicted on little police evidence
- Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick upset with controversial unnecessary roughness penalty in loss
- Texas edges Alabama as new No. 1 in US LBM Coaches Poll after Crimson Tide's defeat of Georgia
Recommendation
Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
Cities are using sheep to graze in urban landscapes and people love it
Nebraska law enforcement investigating after fatal Omaha police shooting
New York City closes tunnel supplying half of its water for big $2B fix
What to watch: O Jolie night
College Football Misery Index: Ole Miss falls flat despite spending big
Red Sox honor radio voice Joe Castiglione who is retiring after 42 years
Attorneys for NYC Mayor Eric Adams seek dismissal of bribery charge brought by ‘zealous prosecutors’