UC Davis Professor’s Controversial Social Media Post Stirs Outrage
An assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, has faced significant backlash following a provocative social media post about Jewish journalists. Despite the public outcry, Gemma DeCristo plans to keep her position at the university. This situation has drawn attention from officials at the institution.
DeCristo, who teaches American studies and identifies as a Black trans woman, shared a message on X on October 10, 2023. This was shortly after Hamas launched an attack on Israel. In her tweet, she made ominous remarks about “Zionist journalists” and included emojis that symbolized violence, which quickly went viral and was condemned widely, especially after being highlighted by a researcher from the Heritage Foundation.
In defense of her words, DeCristo maintained that the tweet was meant to be a satirical take, not a direct threat of violence. She explained that it was intended to parody the tone of various statements made by Israeli officials following the recent violence, stating that the dehumanization of Palestinian children was a significant concern.
Since the incident, DeCristo has not conducted any classes but is reportedly available to attend events hosted by Turning Point USA. The university’s president, Gary S. May, suspended her without pay for a semester. In a letter to DeCristo, he emphasized the university’s rejection of violence and discrimination, values central to their mission.
Reports suggest that her posts have instilled fear among Jewish students, faculty, and staff, disrupting the general campus environment significantly. DeCristo, during interviews related to the investigation, expressed her view that Zionism and anti-Semitism should not be conflated.
She has not offered a public apology, asserting that addressing this issue in the media only escalates the threats she receives. Furthermore, she did not respond to requests for comments from the university’s administration.
The disturbance caused by DeCristo’s statements led to a lengthy investigation by UC Davis. Amid this turmoil, potential donors are hesitating about continuing their financial support. Some had even threatened to withdraw their contributions. As tensions rise again with DeCristo’s reinstatement, reactions are expected to intensify.
In 2024, the university saw significant pro-Palestinian protests, particularly in May, when students pressed for divestment from Israel and associated companies, which resulted in clashes. In March 2025, the Department of Education warned universities, including UC Davis, about the need to protect Jewish students from rising anti-Semitism on campuses, expressing disappointment in the failure to ensure safety for these students.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted the ongoing concerns surrounding safety for Jewish students at elite campuses and urged university leaders to improve their responses to anti-Semitism.
