Lyon University Rocked by New Controversy as Professor Names 20 “Genocidalists” for Boycott
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A history professor at Lyon 2 University has ignited a firestorm of criticism after publishing a list of 20 public figures he labeled “genocidalists to be boycotted,” further embroiling the institution in a series of escalating controversies linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The incident, which unfolded on September 20, has drawn condemnation from anti-racism organizations, political leaders, adn the university itself. It also comes less than six months after a separate incident involving the intimidation of a geography professor on campus.
Julien Théry, a history professor and researcher at CIHAM (History, archaeology, literature of medieval Christian and Muslim worlds), posted the list on a Facebook group. The list included journalists, politicians, and intellectuals, all accused by Théry of supporting Israeli policies he deems genocidal.
“The call for a boycott of individuals is a provocation of discrimination and violence,” the institution protested in a statement.”The call to boycott individuals is provocation of discrimination and violence.” Licra indicated its willingness to provide legal assistance to those named on the list.
The controversy quickly escalated to the national political stage. On Saturday, Laurent Wauquiez, president of the Republican Right group in the National Assembly, described the situation as “properly mind-blowing,” decrying what he called “ordinary far-left anti-Semitism in our universities.” Wauquiez also referenced a previous decision to halt regional funding to the university following the april intimidation of geographer Fabrice Balanche.
In April, Balanche was reportedly “intimidated and pushed around” by threatening and masked individuals during a class, accused of being “pro-Assad, accomplice to the genocide.” The attackers reportedly shouted “Racists,Zionists,you are the terrorists” during the incident,which occurred amidst broader controversies during Ramadan. At the time, Wauquiez framed his decision to suspend funding as part of a broader effort to “roll back Islamo-leftism” at Lyon 2.
Professor Defends List, Claims “mccarthyist Offensive”
Facing mounting criticism, Théry defended his actions on his Facebook profile, which has over 6,000 followers. He accused “small officials of the hasbara” – a term referring to efforts to promote Israel’s perspective – of orchestrating a campaign against him,working “behind the very poorly named LICRA.” He further claimed that the criticism stemmed from a deliberate conflation of “Jews” and “Zionists supporters of genocide in Palestine,” characterizing it as “typically anti-semitic confusion.” Théry also asserted that he was the victim of a “McCarthyite offensive against freedom of research and teaching,” as he explained in an email to Progress magazine.
Théry’s online presence reveals that he hosts a show titled «La Grande H.» on Le Média, a news site known for its far-left editorial stance and co-founded by Sophia Chikirou, a close associate of Jean-Luc Mélenchon. His most recent appearance on the show, dated November 2, focused on “Whitening of memory: Emmanuel Macron and the colonial past.” The Facebook group where Théry initially published his list is managed by the same media outlet.
university Condemns Professor’s Actions, Considers Sanctions
Lumière Lyon 2 University, whose reputation has been repeatedly challenged by recent scandals, issued a statement expressing “dismay” over Théry’s Facebook post. Management “condemns with the greatest firmness the content of this publication, which in no way represents our university or the values it defends and transmits.” While acknowledging Théry’s right to freedom of expression as a private citizen, the university emphasized its complete dissociation from his views.
The university stated it “will determine quickly the necessary measures” regarding potential sanctions against the professor. The latest controversy adds to a growing sense of unease at Lyon 2, raising questions about the balance between academic freedom and the need to maintain a respectful and inclusive learning surroundings.
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