George Ciccariello-Maher, an associate professor of politics and global studies at Drexel University in Philadelphia, came under fire when he posted a tweet on Twitter which read: “All I Want for Christmas Is White Genocide.”
The next day Drexel University issued a statement which read in part: “While the University recognizes the right of its faculty to freely express their thoughts and opinions in public debate, Professor Ciccariello-Maher’s comments are utterly reprehensible, deeply disturbing, and do not in any way reflect the values of the University. The University is taking this situation very seriously. We contacted Ciccariello-Maher today to arrange a meeting to discuss this matter in detail.”
In explaining the tweet Dr. Ciccariello-Maher later said: “On Christmas Eve, I sent a satirical tweet about an imaginary concept, ‘white genocide.’ For those who haven’t bothered to do their research, ‘white genocide’ is an idea invented by white supremacists and used to denounce everything from interracial relationships to multicultural policies. It is a figment of the racist imagination, it should be mocked, and I’m glad to have mocked it.”
Dr. Ciccariello-Maher added: “White supremacy is on the rise, and we must fight it by any means. In that fight, universities will need to choose whether they are on the side of free expression and academic debate, or on the side of the racist mob.”
An online petition in support of Dr. Ciccariello-Maher has been signed by more than 9,200 people.
