A sudden leadership change at Indiana University's Jewish studies program has sparked a deep internal conflict, with faculty and students accusing the new interim director of undermining academic freedom and shifting the program's direction amid heightened national tensions over Israel and campus speech. The controversy began when longtime director Mark Roseman was unexpectedly replaced by Günther Jikeli, a scholar of antisemitism, who soon clashed with graduate student Sabina Ali over her pro-Palestinian activism and research. Jikeli expelled Ali from a seminar for displaying a 'Free Palestine' image and denied her travel funding, actions that many in the program saw as unprecedented and politically motivated.

The dispute has divided the program, with many faculty and students rallying against Jikeli, while outside academics and the college dean have expressed support for his efforts to enforce what they see as academic rigor and objectivity. The turmoil reflects broader pressures on Indiana University, which has faced state-level crackdowns on faculty governance and free speech, as well as national debates over antisemitism and academic freedom. The ongoing feud has raised concerns about the future reputation and direction of one of the country's oldest Jewish studies programs, with some prospective students reconsidering their interest in enrolling.