It is with some sadness that I have decided to resign from my academic position at MIT. These last 5 years have been very rewarding and I hope that I have made a meaningful difference in the education of my students. My class Introduction to Algorithms is taken by over 60% of all undergrads at MIT! The past few months, since October 7th, have been deeply disappointing to me. During a time when the Jewish and Israeli students, staff and faculty were particularly vulnerable, instead of offering the support they needed, the broader MIT community exhibited open hostility towards them. Like many other college campuses nationwide, the institute clearly failed this test. Some areas of study at MIT seem to prioritize promoting a specific worldview over teaching critical thinking skills. This seems to have been institutionalized in many of MIT’s departments and programs. MIT has some work to do if it wants to continue in its mission “to educate students in areas of scholarship to best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century”. Happy to discuss 1-1. DM me.
I admire your moral backbone and wish that so many others on campuses worldwide would have even a shred of it. It’s a very brave and admirable thing to follow your principles, and I am personally moved by your actions. I wish you all the best in the future, as you appear to be one of those people who truly deserve it!
Such a brave action and a brave post. Kudos and if you are ever in Israel - get in touch - beer/wine/wishkey is on me.
If good people do not voice their concern, bad people and bad situations are encouraged.
Integrity, principles, and moral clarity, sadly you no longer fit their mold. I wish you much success in your next move, at least you can sleep soundly…
I admire your principles. Kol Hakavod
Mauricio you are an inspiration!!!
So sorry that you had to endure all this horrific antisemitism. It should be the other professors, who should be resigning and have been complicit in promoting a hostile atmosphere to Jewish Professors and Students. As Einstein said two things are infinite human stupidity and the universe. He wasn’t completely sure about the universe though. It is impressive that you are standing up to adversity and are keeping your integrity. Thanks for this bravery and moral clarity!
Mauricio, I admire your courage and salute you for following your principles. I am similarly disappointed by the MIT administration and parts of the community.
Thank you for being a great teacher and for supporting Jewish students through these difficult times.
Making rare events happen | AI/ML for the Life Sciences | MIT
1yA true loss to MIT…