Ohio University professor removed as course instructor after Israeli detention

ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Film professor Thomas Hayes returned from his detainment by the Israeli military to find Ohio University had removed him as the instructor of his only in-person class.

Hayes, a Columbus resident, was aboard a flotilla sailing toward Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli forces. Upon his return, he was informed he had been replaced as the instructor for a master's-level film core curriculum course titled "The Art of Editing." The university's decision has drawn scrutiny among students and community members.

University spokesperson Daniel Pittman said the university designated a new instructor after learning Hayes had independently informed students that he would be absent for an unknown period. Pittman said Hayes had left behind prerecorded lectures available online for the course, which was intended to be in-person.

Hayes, 69, has been absent as one of 145 passengers sailing to Gaza in hopes of breaking Israel's naval blockade. On Oct. 8, all vessels of the nine-boat flotilla were intercepted by Israeli military forces, and all passengers were taken into custody. Social media posts showed Hayes' return to Columbus on Oct. 12, after processing and deportation from Israel.

"As an accredited public institution, Ohio University has an obligation to serve its students by delivering courses that offer regular interactions with faculty who are readily available to support their needs," Pittman said.

Hayes told NBC4 that the university made the decision on Oct. 10. He said it happened while he was held in Ketzi'ot prison without formal charges or a trial. Ketzi'ot is Israel's largest detention center, located in the Negev desert.

Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at Ohio University is among the 16 student and local organizations that condemned Hayes' removal in a letter to university leaders. Hayes is the group's faculty adviser and also a member of two other signatory groups: Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.

Letter writers argued Hayes' flotilla participation is relevant to his work. Hayes has filmed three documentaries on the conflict between Palestine and Israel, including his most recent film, released in 2015, which highlighted Israeli perspectives.

The letter alleges Hayes' removal is unjust and defies the university's free speech policy, which protects "uncensored academic inquiry" and freedom of expression. It also calls on the university to publicly condemn Hayes' detainment. SJP member Cody Polinski, a sophomore chemistry major, said he was angry that the university had not spoken out when Hayes was taken into custody.

"The university didn't make a statement at all when he was kidnapped," Polinski said. "That's disturbing to me, that a member of your staff is kidnapped and you don't say anything. And then he comes back, and instead of being, oh, I don't know, grateful, thankful that he's back, you try to remove him."

On the day of Hayes' detainment, Ohio University told NBC4 it was "aware of the rumors" and looking into things. Polinski and other club members did not think that was enough. They were similarly unimpressed by the university's explanation for removing Hayes from the course.

Polinski said he previously had a professor who missed a large portion of in-person classes due to a knee surgery that had not been disclosed to students ahead of time. He said it was unclear how the other professor coordinated with the university, but the experience stuck out to Polinski when considering Hayes' removal.

"I'm just saying it's not completely abnormal for that to happen, and it seems to be motivated for other reasons than pure education," Polinski said.

NBC4 asked Ohio University about the process for professors who take time away during an in-person class, and was directed to the university's faculty handbook. The handbook said instructors can participate in political activities, but changing meeting times or locations often requires approval.

Hayes is still listed as the instructor for other courses, which are all hybrid or online and work with individuals or small groups.