CHICAGO, Ill. — A tenured professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been suspended and placed under investigation after a student complained about a classroom assignment that referenced violence against Palestinian civilians.
Savneet Talwar, a professor in the school’s art therapy and counseling program, assigned a case study in April for a course examining the cultural dimensions of therapy. The assignment involved a fictional queer Muslim woman living in the United States and asked students to develop an ethical treatment plan based on her background and experiences.
One section of the case study stated that the fictional client was affected by violence against Palestinian civilians and had participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The assignment did not mention Israel and focused primarily on the client’s family history, relationships, immigration status, and mental health considerations.
According to Talwar, school administrators contacted her shortly after the assignment was distributed. Her class was canceled, the assignment was removed from the school’s online learning platform, and she was subsequently placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. School officials cited concerns about possible discrimination, harassment, or retaliation connected to complaints previously filed by a Jewish Israeli student within the department.
Talwar denies that the assignment was discriminatory and argues that the investigation stems from the inclusion of Palestinian perspectives in academic material. Through legal counsel, she has filed a grievance and is considering a formal discrimination complaint against the institution.
SAIC declined to comment on personnel matters or ongoing investigations but stated that it remains committed to fostering an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged. The investigation remains ongoing.
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