UPDATE: Francesca Albanese, the controversial UN special rapporteur on Palestinian territories, has been officially removed as an “affiliated scholar” from Georgetown University. This urgent development follows a campaign by UN Watch, which highlighted Albanese’s alleged support for terrorism and antisemitism, prompting the Washington-based university to take action.
Screenshots shared by UN Watch reveal that Albanese was previously the top name on the “Other Affiliated Scholars” page of Georgetown’s Institute for the Study of International Migration. Both her profile and bio have now vanished from the university’s website, signaling a significant shift in her status.
At a public event in Sicily on August 8, 2025, Albanese stated, “Hamas is a political force that won the 2005 elections—whether we like it or not.” She added that perceptions of Hamas as solely a militant group are misguided. Her comments have drawn sharp criticism, especially in light of her history, including a 2014 fundraising campaign where she referred to the “Jewish lobby,” a term she later apologized for using.
Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, welcomed the university’s decision, stating, “Academic institutions have a responsibility to uphold basic standards of integrity and human dignity.” He emphasized the importance of accountability for individuals in positions of authority at the UN, declaring that universities should not harbor those who promote hatred.
Interestingly, Albanese’s removal coincides with US sanctions imposed on her in July, making her the first UN member to face such action. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, condemned Albanese’s activities, stating, “She has spewed unabashed antisemitism and expressed support for terrorism.” These sanctions have led Albanese to express concerns over their chilling effect on her ability to engage with others, saying, “It creates a chilling effect around you.”
UN Watch claims that its efforts played a pivotal role in Albanese’s removal, but the sanctions may have significantly influenced this outcome. Neuer has called for the UN to follow Georgetown’s example and remove Albanese, asserting that there should be no tolerance for officials who excuse terrorism.
Albanese, however, denies the allegations of antisemitism and claims that they have been “weaponized” against her. Both Georgetown University and Albanese have been contacted for comments regarding this developing story.
As this situation unfolds, the implications for academic freedom and the responsibility of institutions in the face of controversial figures remain critical. The decision by Georgetown sends a powerful message about the standards expected in educational environments.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
