PSU professor placed on leave after ‘I am Hamas’ video surfaces on social media

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A professor at Portland State University was placed on administrative leave last week after she was seen in an Instagram video saying “I am Hamas. We are all Hamas.”

Yasmeen Hanoosh is a professor at the Department of World Languages and Literatures at PSU, according to her bio page. She was placed on leave Friday.

Portland State president Ann Cudd called Hanoosh’s comments in the video “reprehensible.”

“PSU stands unequivocally against antisemitism, terrorism, and hate of any kind, including the statements made in this video. Our university community has been working hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all, including our Jewish students, faculty and staff. The statements made in this video are absolutely unacceptable,” Cudd said.

PSU says Hanoosh made the comments at an independent, non-university event that was taking place off-campus.

The college is currently investigating the incident.

“We recognize that events like this one indicate the need for additional education, and this term we offered a free, one-credit class on antisemitism that was well received by the more than 100 students who are taking it. We intend to make this course available to more members of our community. We are committed to providing a campus environment free from hate,” Cudd said.

KOIN 6 has reached out to Hanoosh.