We strongly disagree with Wayne State Univeristy’s decision last week to pull its Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity in the Media Award following comments she made at a diversity conference in Dearborn.

Thomas, an Arab American, is perhaps the best-known alumna of WSU, having covered every President of the United States from the last years of the Eisenhower administration until the second year of the Obama administration. She was the first female officer of the National Press Club, the first female member and president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, and the first female member of the Gridiron Club.

At the conference, held December 2, Thomas reiterated the claim she first made earlier this year at the White House’s Jewish Heritage Day event on May 27 that the Israelis should withdraw from the West Bank and Gaza. In the Dearborn conference she lamented U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and added: “Congress, the White House and Hollywood, Wall Street are owned by Zionists. No question, in my opinion.” WSU leaders said they considered the remark anti-Semitic and pulled the award the following day.

We categorically reject equating Zionism with Judaism. We understand the pro-Israeli community trying to silence debate on the subject of Israel. But for an academic institution to silence debate is unconscionable. Universities are where debate should begin. Thomas was applauded when speaking truth to power until the power was Israel.

The Arab American News warns that unless this issue is properly addressed and corrected, this hastily-made decision will negatively impact relations between the university and the Arab American community for many years.

Community members have met with WSU officials. We await their response.