University called Dr Joanne Liu, ex-head of Doctors Without Borders, after planning to speak on Gaza and federal cuts

Summary

NYU canceled a March 19 talk by Dr. Joanne Liu, former head of Doctors Without Borders, citing concerns her slides on Gaza casualties and USAID funding cuts appeared “antisemitic” and “anti-governmental.”

Liu, who flew to New York for the event, said she was “stunned” by the last-minute cancellation.

NYU Langone stated she violated guest speaker guidelines but was compensated.

Liu argued the decision reflects a “climate of fear” in U.S. academia, referencing threats to federal funding like those faced by Columbia University after pro-Palestinian campus protests.