The University of Arizona – Jason Gervase

Summary

On March 3, 2026, an American Sign Language lecturer at the University of Arizona, Jason Gervase, posted videos on social media in which he told people “if you are MAGA, if you are a Zionist, or you are anti‑human rights, this is not your space” and to “F—k off.” He also made posts saying “F—k Israel” and used language endorsing a conspiracy theory about a terror attack being a false flag operation. These posts quickly drew attention and criticism from various groups and individuals.

The backlash escalated the next day, March 4, 2026, as calls for his dismissal intensified. Critics described his remarks as offensive and demanded that the university take action. Advocacy groups including StopAntisemitism and the Anti-Defamation League sent letters to the university asserting that his statements were “fundamentally incompatible with the responsibilities of a university educator” and raised concerns about the impact of his remarks on students. They specifically highlighted his direction of hostility toward “MAGA supporters” and “Zionists” and referenced his explicit anti‑Israel comments.

University officials responded by distancing the institution from Gervase’s personal views. A university spokesperson said the professor’s comments “do not represent the university’s position.” The spokesperson added that while the university values “respect and civil discourse,” it also recognizes that employees “have the right to express personal views, even when those statements fall short of our values of respect and civil discourse.” Officials referenced the university’s Political Activity Policy, which requires employees to maintain objectivity in their professional roles and not let political interests affect their duties, but did not commit to disciplinary action in this case, instead invoking protections tied to academic freedom and free speech.

In the days following the backlash, Gervase defended his remarks on social media, arguing that his comments were protected by the First Amendment and stating that “criticism of Zionism, a political movement and ideology, is not an attack on a people or a faith.” He described the reaction against him as an effort by a “coordinated digital mob” to silence his speech, while reiterating his belief in academic freedom.