Stockton University removed text from its Holocaust and genocide studies program website that characterized events in Gaza as genocide, following a complaint from major donor John F. Scarpa. The removal occurred on a Sunday without advance notice and was not part of a scheduled review, according to Raz Segal, director of the program.
The disputed language appeared in a message from Segal on the program’s website, which referenced contemporary examples of mass casualties and displacement in Myanmar, Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. Scarpa, a telecommunications entrepreneur and significant donor to colleges and conservative causes, sent a letter to university President Joe Bertolino on July 31 objecting to what he characterized as “misinformation” and “mischaracterizations and factual inaccuracies” regarding Gaza. Scarpa argued that describing Israel’s actions as genocide presents disputed claims as established fact and contributes to hostility toward Jews and Israel supporters. He questioned who approved the website content and characterized it as the personal opinion of one individual. University officials deleted the text two days later, along with other materials from the site.
Stockton leadership initially attributed the removal to an ongoing review of graduate program webpages, though they later acknowledged the decision lacked proper consultation and communication. University officials stated that donors do not have decision-making authority over academic or institutional matters, though they may express views. President Joe Bertolino and board chair José Lozano acknowledged raising “serious concerns” about academic freedom and shared governance, pledging to review policies around webpage content creation.
Segal, a genocide scholar, rejected characterizations of his statement as personal opinion, citing a vote by the International Association of Genocide Scholars declaring that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide. He described his website statement as reflecting “broad consensus” among experts in the field. Faculty members and organizations including the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey voiced support for Segal, expressing concern about donor influence on campus speech. Segal drew parallels to a 2024 situation at the University of Minnesota, where he was offered a position only to have it rescinded following donor complaints. He later received a $250,000 settlement from Minnesota.
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