George Washington University Professor Accused of Antisemitism Leaves School, Heads to Qatar-Based Institute
George Washington University psychology professor Lara Sheehi, who has faced allegations of antisemitism and mistreatment of Jewish graduate students, has chosen to leave the university and accept a position at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies in Qatar. The decision comes after Sheehi was accused of verbally abusing and discriminating against her Jewish students, prompting a civil rights complaint and an ongoing investigation.
In a correspondence obtained by The Algemeiner, Sheehi notified members of the university’s Professional Psychology Program about her departure. She expressed mixed emotions about leaving her professional home of many years but did not mention the accusations against her or the impact on her students.
Following her departure from George Washington University, Sheehi has now assumed the role of an assistant professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, which is based in Qatar’s capital and has been associated with prominent leaders of Hamas. Notably, Qatar, along with Turkey and Iran, has provided substantial financial support to the Palestinian terrorist group.
The controversy surrounding Sheehi extends beyond her recent endorsement of Hamas terrorists as martyrs and her support for their armed resistance following their attack on southern Israel. As early as January 2023, StandWithUs, an educational nonprofit, filed a civil rights complaint alleging a series of concerning incidents involving Sheehi.
According to the complaint, Sheehi invited an antisemitic speaker to address her mandatory diversity course, launched a smear campaign against Jewish students, and subsequently filed disciplinary charges against them in retaliation for accusing her of antisemitism. The complaint also outlined how Sheehi expressed contempt for Jewish students in class and subsequently spread rumors and misinformation about them.
The allegations against Sheehi have had a significant impact on the academic community, with over 500 academics and mental health professionals urging George Washington University to relieve her of her teaching duties. A month after the accusations came to light, the US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights launched an investigation into the university’s handling of the situation.
Sheehi has consistently denied the students’ allegations, arguing that she was targeted due to her advocacy for Palestinians and critique of Israeli policies. Furthermore, she accused George Washington University of lacking moral integrity and colluding with StandWithUs.
The investigation into the university’s role is ongoing, as the government seeks to determine whether administrators failed to address Sheehi’s alleged conduct. George Washington University, as well as the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, did not respond to requests for comment.
The allegations against Sheehi highlight the importance of addressing antisemitism and fostering an inclusive environment within academic institutions. The impact on the students involved serves as a reminder of the need for universities to prioritize the well-being and safety of all students, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
