As a proud alumnus of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and an active member of the queer community, I am deeply saddened and disturbed by recent events involving one of our faculty members, Dr. Mika Tosca. Following the tragic massacre in Israel on October 7th, it has come to light that Dr. Mika made antisemitic posts on her public Instagram. As outlined by this article
Dr. Mika said “Israelis are pigs. Savages. Very very bad people. Irredeemable excrement.”

SAIC has always been a beacon for social justice issues, fostering an environment where students can learn and grow without fear or prejudice. However, it seems we have fallen short when it comes to addressing antisemitism within our own ranks.

Antisemitism is not just a problem at SAIC; it's a global issue that's been on the rise in recent years. This is not just about one professor; this is about creating an environment where all students feel safe and respected.

We cannot allow individuals who propagate hate speech to shape young minds at institutions like SAIC that are supposed to champion diversity and inclusivity. We must hold those who spread hatred accountable for their actions.

In light of these facts, we urge SAIC to dismiss Dr. Mika Tosca from her position as professor immediately and take further steps towards combating antisemitism within its community.
Please sign this petition if you believe in creating safer learning environments free from hate speech.