Biology 184 "Hamas is not a terrorist organization"

Hey all,

In a recent Biology 184 Lab, a substitute TA came in and gave a speech to our class about how the actions of Hamas are justified in the context of Israeli oppression and that they "are not a terrorist group". While I don't pretend to know the whole history there, and I won't offer my opinion in this post; I think it's fair to say that claiming that any violence towards a group of people is justified is wrong. Further, taking this stance in a position of semi-power and as someone who is supposed to represent the University (a TA), probably makes anyone who identifies with Israel or Judaism in any way, feel understandably scared and probably even unsafe at the University.

I don't personally identify as Jewish or Israeli, and I actually don't know anyone that does, but I could certainly empathize with anyone who experienced this rant and left feeling very distressed. I don't believe we should allow this kind of behavior from our leaders (TA's or otherwise) in University. I emailed the biology lab coordinator and professors to report this misconduct, and I think that if you experienced this lab, you should too.

Thanks for reading. Peace and love.