LUBBOCK, Texas — Jairo Funes Flores, an assistant professor at Texas Tech University, was allowed to return to work on April 12, ending his paid suspension after an investigation determined that Texas Tech University did not violate any rules. issued a statement. Texas Tech University's Policy Against Discriminatory Harassment in the Classroom and Work Environment.
The investigation followed allegations that he had posted “hateful” and “anti-Semitic” posts on social media. EverythingLubock.com spoke to Funez about his plans for the future now that he has been cleared to return to work.
The assistant professor said she's happy to be back so she can see her students again, but she's worried about her safety on campus after receiving hate mail, voicemails and death threats recently.
“For safety reasons, I'm not necessarily in the office,” Funez said. “It’s a little worrying, but you have no choice but to do what you can to protect yourself and your family during times like these.”
Funez said he hopes people who believe he writes anti-Semitic or hateful material read his academic work to form their own opinions.
“If someone had that much hatred for a group, would they teach about the dehumanization of a group they clearly hate?” Funes said.
Funez said he uses his personal social media accounts to share his thoughts on the war in Gaza, criticize what's happening there and move people.
Although he has been cleared to teach again and his posts did not violate the Discriminatory Harassment Policy for Teaching in the Classroom, Texas Tech University said, “I regret the posting, and I have discovered it.” Hate, anti-Semitism, and contrary to our code of ethics…,” Funez said in a statement regarding his return.
The university also said it remains vigilant to ensure that anti-Semitism does not exist on campus.
In the meantime, Professor Funes said he will return to work to see his students.
“Now we can meet with them and collaborate with them on the research projects we were doing,” Funez said.
Funez said he will continue to advocate for free speech on campus and continue posting on social media.
“I will continue to criticize injustice. I will continue to criticize displacement, deprivation and domination. This is my job. This is what I have been doing for a long time and will continue to do so on social media. I’m going,” Funez said.
Funez said he plans to return to teach summer and fall courses.
