By Adam Pagnucco.
Montgomery College President Jermaine Williams has condemned a movie scheduled for screening at the campus today that alleged Israeli domination of American media, writing that it “depicts antisemitic tropes and fosters antisemitism.” The movie, titled The Occupation of the American Mind, caused controversy when it was screened by the City of Takoma Park five years ago and was just condemned again by a group of state and county elected officials.
Additionally, a college spokesman wrote to me that “the movie was not shown today.” When I asked whether it would be shown in the future, the spokesman replied, “I have not seen or heard of plans to show the film at a later date.”
This incident follows a zoom panel using college resources last month in which participants expressed support for Hamas. Williams also condemned that panel.
Williams’s memo to the college community, sent shortly before the movie was scheduled to be shown, is reprinted below.
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To: Montgomery College Community
From: Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, President
Subject: Community Values and Safety
Date: April 16, 2024
Our commitment at Montgomery College is to foster a vibrant intellectual environment where diverse viewpoints are presented and critically examined. There can be no doubt that the College values open discourse and encourages dialogue on all perspectives of any issue. Together, we achieve this through a variety of academic programs, lectures, and discussions. It is also important to ensure that discourse at our College is done with civility and in a way that creates a safe space for true dialogue and understanding.
The College will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any narratives or actions that breed hate. The film, The Occupation of the American Mind, depicts antisemitic tropes and fosters antisemitism. It does not uphold our values of respect, civility, and providing a safe and welcoming environment. The impending screening of this film is causing fear, anxiety, and distress for many in our community. As such, the organizers of this event should forgo its viewing. Instead, we will continue to find ways to highlight a diversity of perspectives that build understanding and enhance a sense of belonging for all.
As we discussed during the opening of Equity Week just yesterday, MC strives to be a place of belonging for our students, faculty, and staff. Together, we must uphold our values of respect, civility, and provide a safe and welcoming environment for all while we remain committed to academic freedom and free speech.
