Demand USC to Stand With Jewish Professor John Strauss


Demand USC to Stand With Jewish Professor John Strauss
The Issue
Demand USC to Stand With Jewish Professor John Strauss After Wrongfully Banning Him From Campus & Address Disinformation
We welcome anyone to sign this petition in support of Professor Strauss.
For more information, follow @WeAreTov on Instagram or visit wearetov.org
THE PETITION
Dear University of Southern California,
We express our unequivocal support of USC Professor John Strauss, age 72, in light of the unjust call for his termination.
There is a clear double standard when the University takes no action against professors who openly promote the genocidal rhetoric and antisemitic views of a U.S. designated terrorist organization, but disciplines a Jewish professor after saying such terrorists should be eliminated.
We are deeply troubled by the calculated effort of certain community members to denigrate Professor Strauss’s integrity.
What Happened on Thursday, November 9, 2023:
A pro-Palestinian demonstration was held at Tommy Trojan. As Professor Strauss walked past the rally, he heard them chanting “Down with Israel” and “From the river to the sea....” In response, Professor Strauss stated, “Israel forever; Hamas are murderers.” He then proceeded to his class.
Later, while passing by the demonstration on his way back to his office from class, individuals initiated an attack on the Jewish professor. They proclaimed: “Shame on you, Professor Strauss.”
In response, Professor Strauss defends himself: “No, shame on you. You are ignorant. Really ignorant. Hamas are murderers. That’s all they are. Every one should be killed. And I hope they all are.” (A clear reference to every Hamas terrorists).
*Professor Strauss explicitly identified Hamas terrorists as the problem, not Palestinian civilians. There is recorded proof and there were several eyewitnesses.
The Spread of Misinformation:
Despite having the full video, 'Trojans For Palestine' decided to release a shorter, deceptive video on Instagram that completely misrepresents what was said. The video deceptively omits the first half of his statement and only shows Strauss saying: “Should all be killed.” By crucially leaving out the subject of his statement, which Strauss explicitly states is Hamas, allowed for misinformation to be spread.
Misinformation spread rapidly. Many social media accounts, both influential and regular, reposted the deceptive video. Much of the footage circulating online are laden with text that further distorts his words. For example, @TrojansForPalestine falsely claimed on Instagram that Professor Strauss said, ‘All Palestinians Should Be Killed,’ while influencer @ShaunKing (+5 million followers), posted the deceptive video with the false caption that, “USC Professor John Strauss threatened these students’ hope you get killed, and I hope they all are (*Gaza)’ during a campus rally for Gaza. We call on USC to terminate this professor immediately.” This deceptive post quickly amassed over 3 million views, highlighting the alarming speed at which false claims are being generated and disseminated.
The ongoing smear campaign against Professor Strauss, coupled with a Change.org petition calling for Strauss' termination has led to an incredibly distressing situation.
Why is the Shortened Video Deceptive?
The deceptive video does not maintain the integrity of the original content, and lacks supporting context, causing misunderstandings. The full video proves that Professor Strauss was calling for the elimination of Hamas. He never called for the death of Palestinian civilians or their supporters. It is incorrect for others to conflate his mention of Hamas with all Palestinians.
In response to these challenges, we are taking proactive measures by providing unedited video footage to share the truth and counter the unwarranted damage to his reputation. As students and alums, we cannot be bystanders to what is going on, and we must raise our voices as they are fueled by worry.
We vehemently reject the characterization of Professor Strauss as malicious. His statements remain consistent with the position articulated by President Biden. Those who may take offense to his comments would only be individuals who support Hamas. They are ignorant at best and antisemitic at worst.
CLICK TO VIEW THE VIDEOS
Admission of Falsehood by Student Groups:
Upon uncovering the full video, it was evident that Professor Strauss had articulated a different sentiment. Caught in their lie, ‘Trojans for Palestine’ admitted that Professor Strauss did, in fact, only refer to Hamas. Yet, they doubled down on their ridiculous slander campaign by arguing that Strauss meant to say all Palestinian supporters. They did this in a 24-hour Instagram story. Meanwhile, the deceptively cropped videos continue circulating on social media and going viral.
Annenberg Media’s Article and Journalistic Malpractice:
The Annenberg Media article, published by Jen Byers, is dangerously biased, violating the very tenets of journalistic standards. By fragmenting the Professor’s quote, the article falsely implies he addressed all Palestinian civilians rather than just Hamas. The article’s subtitle exemplifies this intentional narrative distortion: ‘I hope they all are killed’ walking by an event mourning Palestinian deaths.’ The report’s clear bias and deliberate omission of words and crucial context are a misrepresentation of truth and a troubling display of journalistic malpractice.
The repercussions are stark, with strangers issuing unduly attacks against Professor Strauss. This falsely manufactured outrage inflames the student body, igniting further strife on campus. Meanwhile, Professor Strauss is enduring harassment across multiple platforms, including his email inbox, Rate My Professor, and social media. Examples of threats include: “I hope you die, you fascist pig” to “I hope you’re fired.”
Unjust Administrative Action & Safety Concerns:
Due to the false accusations and manipulated reporting that have fueled calls for his termination, the Office of the Provost put Professor Strauss on administrative leave and barred from campus, citing 'safety concerns.'
It prompts question: Is this just an appeasement strategy, giving concessions to the students who are threatening the Professor?
Regardless, we are not in days of the Holocaust; Jews should not have to hide for our safety. Perpetrators of violence and false accusations should be expelled, not the victims of their abuse. USC should offer Professor Strauss proper protection in the coming months.
Impact on the Jewish Community:
The dehumanizing rhetoric and disturbing actions of those who support Hamas have created a hostile environment of fear and anxiety on our campus. Despite the government’s condemnation of rising antisemitism on campus, our peers continue to rip down hostage posters and chant hate speech with brazen arrogance. Professors at USC have expressed venomous antisemitic sentiments without facing any consequences. Students have marched through campus, calling for violence against Jews, and the University has allowed it in the name of free speech.
With that backdrop, the forced administrative leave of Professor Strauss, based on a misinterpretation of his statements, contributes to a sense of insecurity. Simply put, Jewish students don’t feel safe.
The Antisemitic Double Standard: Free Speech
To this point, we were concerned about the University’s inaction in the face of a hostile environment for Jewish students. We are doubly concerned by the University’s impulsive action against a Jewish professor based on a false accusation.
While Professor Strauss was banned from campus, a USC Annenberg adjunct professor promoted antisemitic views to her class without consequence. This journalism professor publicly endorses Hamas as a 'resistance movement' and refers to the October 7 terrorist attack as a 'supremely defensive act' that 'targeted only Israeli military bases and compounds.' Please click here to read her statements for yourself.
There is a clear double standard when the University takes no action against professors who openly promote the genocidal rhetoric and antisemitic views of a U.S. designated terrorist organization, but disciplines a Jewish Professor after saying such terrorists should be eliminated.
CALL TO ACTION:
We demand that the University of Southern California promptly reinstate Professor Strauss with adequate protection, and address the unequal application of University policies that allow antisemitism to plague our campus.
The disinformation campaign targeting Professor Strauss and the wider Jewish community at USC requires immediate transparency and accountability from Carol Folt, USC administrators, and Title IX Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity. Clear and transparent communication is vital to rebuilding trust within the USC community.
In our standing for integrity and justice, our united voice aims to restore the principles that define our Trojan Community and Family.
Follow @WeAreTov on Instagram.

The Issue
Demand USC to Stand With Jewish Professor John Strauss After Wrongfully Banning Him From Campus & Address Disinformation
We welcome anyone to sign this petition in support of Professor Strauss.
For more information, follow @WeAreTov on Instagram or visit wearetov.org
THE PETITION
Dear University of Southern California,
We express our unequivocal support of USC Professor John Strauss, age 72, in light of the unjust call for his termination.
There is a clear double standard when the University takes no action against professors who openly promote the genocidal rhetoric and antisemitic views of a U.S. designated terrorist organization, but disciplines a Jewish professor after saying such terrorists should be eliminated.
We are deeply troubled by the calculated effort of certain community members to denigrate Professor Strauss’s integrity.
What Happened on Thursday, November 9, 2023:
A pro-Palestinian demonstration was held at Tommy Trojan. As Professor Strauss walked past the rally, he heard them chanting “Down with Israel” and “From the river to the sea....” In response, Professor Strauss stated, “Israel forever; Hamas are murderers.” He then proceeded to his class.
Later, while passing by the demonstration on his way back to his office from class, individuals initiated an attack on the Jewish professor. They proclaimed: “Shame on you, Professor Strauss.”
In response, Professor Strauss defends himself: “No, shame on you. You are ignorant. Really ignorant. Hamas are murderers. That’s all they are. Every one should be killed. And I hope they all are.” (A clear reference to every Hamas terrorists).
*Professor Strauss explicitly identified Hamas terrorists as the problem, not Palestinian civilians. There is recorded proof and there were several eyewitnesses.
The Spread of Misinformation:
Despite having the full video, 'Trojans For Palestine' decided to release a shorter, deceptive video on Instagram that completely misrepresents what was said. The video deceptively omits the first half of his statement and only shows Strauss saying: “Should all be killed.” By crucially leaving out the subject of his statement, which Strauss explicitly states is Hamas, allowed for misinformation to be spread.
Misinformation spread rapidly. Many social media accounts, both influential and regular, reposted the deceptive video. Much of the footage circulating online are laden with text that further distorts his words. For example, @TrojansForPalestine falsely claimed on Instagram that Professor Strauss said, ‘All Palestinians Should Be Killed,’ while influencer @ShaunKing (+5 million followers), posted the deceptive video with the false caption that, “USC Professor John Strauss threatened these students’ hope you get killed, and I hope they all are (*Gaza)’ during a campus rally for Gaza. We call on USC to terminate this professor immediately.” This deceptive post quickly amassed over 3 million views, highlighting the alarming speed at which false claims are being generated and disseminated.
The ongoing smear campaign against Professor Strauss, coupled with a Change.org petition calling for Strauss' termination has led to an incredibly distressing situation.
Why is the Shortened Video Deceptive?
The deceptive video does not maintain the integrity of the original content, and lacks supporting context, causing misunderstandings. The full video proves that Professor Strauss was calling for the elimination of Hamas. He never called for the death of Palestinian civilians or their supporters. It is incorrect for others to conflate his mention of Hamas with all Palestinians.
In response to these challenges, we are taking proactive measures by providing unedited video footage to share the truth and counter the unwarranted damage to his reputation. As students and alums, we cannot be bystanders to what is going on, and we must raise our voices as they are fueled by worry.
We vehemently reject the characterization of Professor Strauss as malicious. His statements remain consistent with the position articulated by President Biden. Those who may take offense to his comments would only be individuals who support Hamas. They are ignorant at best and antisemitic at worst.
CLICK TO VIEW THE VIDEOS
Admission of Falsehood by Student Groups:
Upon uncovering the full video, it was evident that Professor Strauss had articulated a different sentiment. Caught in their lie, ‘Trojans for Palestine’ admitted that Professor Strauss did, in fact, only refer to Hamas. Yet, they doubled down on their ridiculous slander campaign by arguing that Strauss meant to say all Palestinian supporters. They did this in a 24-hour Instagram story. Meanwhile, the deceptively cropped videos continue circulating on social media and going viral.
Annenberg Media’s Article and Journalistic Malpractice:
The Annenberg Media article, published by Jen Byers, is dangerously biased, violating the very tenets of journalistic standards. By fragmenting the Professor’s quote, the article falsely implies he addressed all Palestinian civilians rather than just Hamas. The article’s subtitle exemplifies this intentional narrative distortion: ‘I hope they all are killed’ walking by an event mourning Palestinian deaths.’ The report’s clear bias and deliberate omission of words and crucial context are a misrepresentation of truth and a troubling display of journalistic malpractice.
The repercussions are stark, with strangers issuing unduly attacks against Professor Strauss. This falsely manufactured outrage inflames the student body, igniting further strife on campus. Meanwhile, Professor Strauss is enduring harassment across multiple platforms, including his email inbox, Rate My Professor, and social media. Examples of threats include: “I hope you die, you fascist pig” to “I hope you’re fired.”
Unjust Administrative Action & Safety Concerns:
Due to the false accusations and manipulated reporting that have fueled calls for his termination, the Office of the Provost put Professor Strauss on administrative leave and barred from campus, citing 'safety concerns.'
It prompts question: Is this just an appeasement strategy, giving concessions to the students who are threatening the Professor?
Regardless, we are not in days of the Holocaust; Jews should not have to hide for our safety. Perpetrators of violence and false accusations should be expelled, not the victims of their abuse. USC should offer Professor Strauss proper protection in the coming months.
Impact on the Jewish Community:
The dehumanizing rhetoric and disturbing actions of those who support Hamas have created a hostile environment of fear and anxiety on our campus. Despite the government’s condemnation of rising antisemitism on campus, our peers continue to rip down hostage posters and chant hate speech with brazen arrogance. Professors at USC have expressed venomous antisemitic sentiments without facing any consequences. Students have marched through campus, calling for violence against Jews, and the University has allowed it in the name of free speech.
With that backdrop, the forced administrative leave of Professor Strauss, based on a misinterpretation of his statements, contributes to a sense of insecurity. Simply put, Jewish students don’t feel safe.
The Antisemitic Double Standard: Free Speech
To this point, we were concerned about the University’s inaction in the face of a hostile environment for Jewish students. We are doubly concerned by the University’s impulsive action against a Jewish professor based on a false accusation.
While Professor Strauss was banned from campus, a USC Annenberg adjunct professor promoted antisemitic views to her class without consequence. This journalism professor publicly endorses Hamas as a 'resistance movement' and refers to the October 7 terrorist attack as a 'supremely defensive act' that 'targeted only Israeli military bases and compounds.' Please click here to read her statements for yourself.
There is a clear double standard when the University takes no action against professors who openly promote the genocidal rhetoric and antisemitic views of a U.S. designated terrorist organization, but disciplines a Jewish Professor after saying such terrorists should be eliminated.
CALL TO ACTION:
We demand that the University of Southern California promptly reinstate Professor Strauss with adequate protection, and address the unequal application of University policies that allow antisemitism to plague our campus.
The disinformation campaign targeting Professor Strauss and the wider Jewish community at USC requires immediate transparency and accountability from Carol Folt, USC administrators, and Title IX Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity. Clear and transparent communication is vital to rebuilding trust within the USC community.
In our standing for integrity and justice, our united voice aims to restore the principles that define our Trojan Community and Family.
Follow @WeAreTov on Instagram.

Victory
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The Supporters
Featured Comments
Shame on these antisemitic people ,we will not let them win with violence
It is inexcusable to show support and favor from those who incite and support antisemitic actions. It’s going back to the dark ages. I would expect that in this era, a Jewish man would not lose his profession by being singled out and fired for his identity as a Jew. Shame on the university. Shame for choices made from propaganda. You should know better.
Hate has no place on campus and misinformation leading to hate and discrimination must be stopped. Prof Strauss should not be punished due to manipulated content. Get it together USC, act like a responsible university !
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Petition created on November 13, 2023