George Washington University psychology professor Lara Sheehi, accused of verbally abusing and discriminating against Jewish graduate students, has left the university and taken a position at a Qatar-based institution. In an email to members of GW’s Professional Psychology Program, Sheehi announced her decision not to return, citing a new job opportunity. She expressed mixed emotions and mentioned missing her students but did not address the accusations against her.
Allegations against Sheehi include mistreatment of students based on their ethnic and religious backgrounds. In January 2023, StandWithUs filed a civil rights complaint, claiming that Sheehi, who taught a mandatory diversity course, invited an antisemitic speaker, launched a smear campaign against Jewish students, and filed disciplinary charges against them in retaliation for accusing her of antisemitism.
The complaint detailed instances where Sheehi expressed contempt for Jewish students, spread rumors about them being racists, and filed misconduct charges. The students claimed efforts to address the issues with the university were unproductive. The controversy led to over 500 academics and mental health professionals urging the university to relieve Sheehi of her teaching duties.
Sheehi denied the allegations, stating in an essay that she was targeted due to her advocacy for Palestinians and criticism of Israeli policies. She accused the university of lacking moral fiber and colluding with StandWithUs. The university conducted an independent investigation, which found no evidence to substantiate the students’ claims. However, the US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights initiated an investigation into whether the university failed to address Sheehi’s alleged conduct.
Sheehi’s recent employment at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies in Qatar has raised further attention, given Qatar’s associations with leaders of Hamas and its significant financial support to the Palestinian terrorist group. Sheehi’s social media posts endorsing Hamas terrorists as “martyrs” and supporting their “armed resistance” have also sparked controversy. The government’s investigation into George Washington University’s role in the events during Sheehi’s tenure is ongoing.
