DePaul University fires biology professor for controversial assignment on Israel-Hamas war

DePaul University fired a part-time biology professor for giving an assignment on the impact of "genocide in Gaza on human health and biology." The school found the assignment introduced extraneous political material and negatively affected the learning environment. The professor, Anne d’Aquino, is appealing the decision, claiming a breach of academic freedom. The course, Health 194, focused on microorganisms causing disease. DePaul stated the faculty member has initiated an appeal process. D’Aquino defended the assignment, citing warnings from scientists about infectious diseases in Gaza. Students protested in support of her, accusing the administration of twisting discussions on Palestine into false claims of antisemitism.