Harvard lecturer praises Hamas leader as a hero

In a significant controversy, Diana Buttu, a Palestinian-Canadian lecturer at Harvard University, has recently come under scrutiny for her comments on Hamas. In an interview conducted on October 22, 2024, Buttu expressed her admiration for Yahya Sinwar, the slain leader of Hamas, describing him as a 'hero.' This statement sparked outrage as she characterized the organization as a 'movement for freedom, for liberation.' Harvard University identified Buttu as an expert in human rights law and international negotiation, noting her experience as the only female negotiator in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Buttu’s remarks coincided with increased tensions on various college campuses across the United States, particularly at Harvard, where discussions surrounding Israel and Palestine have ignited intense debate. The school is navigating a complex situation involving accusations of fostering anti-Semitic sentiments. Just before the publication of Buttu’s comments, Harvard retracted a fellowship offer to a former professor who had previously been dismissed from Columbia University over similar allegations related to the promotion of anti-Israel ideologies. Buttu's rhetoric seems to echo those sentiments that contributed to the controversy surrounding free speech and academic discourse on campus. Critics of Buttu argue that glamorizing certain figures associated with terrorist organizations ignores the broader implications of such rhetoric, which can lead to increased hostility and division on campus. Buttu, however, maintains that there is an unquenchable desire for freedom among the oppressed people in the region, an allusion to her views on the Palestinian struggle. Her statements on social media and in various interviews indicate that she perceives the conflict through a lens of liberation rather than one of terrorism. In terms of her academic role, Buttu is set to teach courses on negotiation skills and women's leadership at Harvard starting in June 2025. Her past courses, including International Human Rights Law, have stirred debates due to their content that critics often claim lacks balance. The structure of her courses has raised concerns about the potential indoctrination of students regarding sensitive geopolitical issues. As Harvard attempts to address these concerns, Buttu’s presence on campus continues to be a focal point for discussions about academic freedom, the boundaries of speech, and the responsibilities associated with teaching contentious subjects.