University’s Silence on Professor’s Arrest Raises Questions

Over a month has passed since a professor at a prestigious private university was arrested amid an anti-ICE protest, yet the university hasn’t disclosed if any disciplinary action was taken against her.

Eman Abdelhadi faced arrest on October 3 outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois. She was charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault on a public servant and two misdemeanor counts related to resisting police.

Since the incident, the University of Chicago has not responded to multiple requests for information regarding Abdelhadi’s employment, whether disciplinary measures were applied, or if she is currently teaching. The most recent inquiry went unanswered.

Abdelhadi serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Human Development, and her faculty bio remained active as of mid-week. Notably, her profile still labels her as an “assistant professor at the University of Chicago.”

The university has publicly condemned political violence generally but hasn’t commented specifically about Abdelhadi’s situation. A spokesperson emphasized that safety is paramount, stating, “The University will investigate any concerns and act as necessary to protect the community.”

Abdelhadi has had a tumultuous relationship with her employers. Earlier this year, she criticized educational institutions at a socialist conference.

She has expressed disillusionment with the University of Chicago, deeming it a “colonial landowner” and suggesting that she might not invest her political energy there. Yet, she also sees the university as a means to gain influence.

“After all, it provides me access to a wide network—landlords, healthcare providers, law enforcement,” she noted, suggesting that this access could help her mobilize others.

Known as an anti-ICE advocate, she participated in a far-left podcast the day before her arrest, where she condemned federal law enforcement for harming communities. “These people are terrorizing our communities,” she said, referring to ICE’s presence.

Abdelhadi has also been outspoken against Israel, criticizing the conflict in Gaza as “genocide.” As of Wednesday, she did not reply to requests for comments.

Meanwhile, the student newspaper, Maroon, has started to monitor ICE’s activities around the Chicago area, particularly following a recent escalation of operations.