Identity of Speakers
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John Strauss
Faculty/Staff
OtherStrauss is a professor of economics and gerontology at the University of Southern California
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Rally or protest
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Right wing -
Incident Responses:
Faculty sanctioned
Other
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Was Speech Code incident
Summary
In November 2023, USC economics professor John Strauss sparked controversy after a video showed him telling pro-Palestinian student protesters that “Hamas are murderers” and expressing hope that “every one should be killed.” The remarks led to backlash, multiple student complaints alleging harassment, and USC placing Strauss on paid administrative leave while barring him from campus. He was allowed to teach remotely for the remainder of the semester.
Several free speech and academic freedom advocates publicly defended Strauss, arguing his statements, though provocative, were protected political speech under the First Amendment and university policies. An open letter from some faculty also criticized the university’s handling of the situation, raising concerns about free speech and due process.
In June 2024, after completing its investigation, USC dismissed all complaints and reinstated Strauss without disciplinary action.
