NYU is now facing a lawsuit after dismissing a renowned doctor over his pro-Israel social media posts. The top Jewish cancer biologist claimed that the university and a cancer center made him the sacrificial lamb.
Dr. Benjamin Neel, the former NYU Langone Health's Perlmutter Cancer Center director, experienced discrimination because of his religion.
He also accused the hospital and the New York University of firing him without following the due process.
NYU Faces Lawsuit After Dismissing Doctor Over Pro-Israel Posts
A New York University (NYU) flag flies outside a Covid-19 test tent outside of the NYU business school on August 25, 2020 in New York City. All students arriving back to the campus are required to get tested for the virus upon arrival and must be tested again seven to 10 days later. Classes are set to begin on September 2.
According to Fox News' latest report, Neel, who served as the cancer center's director for nine years, claimed that New York University and the hospital fired him as a "sacrificial lamb."
Based on his statement, the educational and health institutes axed him to protect their images as the Israel-Hamas war worsens.
"Dr. Neel became a political casualty of NYULH's effort to terminate Dr. Masoud and other physicians," said the filing of Dr. Neel.
The plaintiff's attorney, Milt Williams, also called the termination against the renowned Jewish doctor a "travesty." He said that Dr. Neel was the first one to lose his job just for posting on his social media account to challenge those who are celebrating the deaths of innocent Israelis.
"Moreover, a careful review of Dr. Neel's social media account would reveal that he has taken balanced positions on Israel-related issues," clarified Williams.
Business Insider reported that the lawsuit, which was filed on Thursday, November 16, in the New York State Supreme Court, claims that the Jewish doctor has become a casualty of the cancer center's "ill-considered plan to feign the appearance of even-handedness."
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NYU to Defend Termination Decision Against Jewish Doctor
A man carries two Israeli flags during a pro-Israel rally outside of Israeli Embassy on October 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza by land, sea, and air, killing hundreds of people and wounding thousands more.
Steve Ritea, the spokesman of NYU Langone Health, said that they would stand their ground to defend the decision to terminate the Jewish doctor.
The official explained that they will remain committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment since they are "an institution dedicated to healing."
Ritea said they will ensure that they always offer an environment free of discrimination for all patients and employees.
He explained that Dr. Neel disregarded all these by sharing a series of social media posts NYU claims to be racist against Arabs.
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