University Won't Fire Tenured Prof. Calling for Destruction of Israel

Kaukab Siddique believes strongly that the Holocaust was a hoax and that Muslims must "rise up against this hydra-headed monster which calls itself Zionism." While his rhetoric is concerning, even more worrisome is that Siddique is an associate professor of English at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. And while the university acknowledges his comments are troubling, it says it can't take action partly because Siddique is tenured.

Over Labor Day weekend, reports CBN's Erick Stakelbeck, Siddique addressed radicals at an anti-Israel rally in Washington, D.C. There, his anti-Semitism was on full display.

"We must stand united to defeat, to destroy, to dismantle Israel -- if possible by peaceful means," Kaukab Siddique said. "Perhaps, like Saladin, we will give them enough food and water to travel back to the lands from where they came to occupy other people."

"For the Jews, I would say see what could happen to you if the Muslims wake up," Siddique warned.  "And I say to the Muslims, dear brothers and sisters, unite and rise up against this hydra-headed monster which calls itself Zionism."

"It is obvious to us that Zionism is racism," he adds. "It is obvious to us that Zionism is genocide. It is obvious to us that Zionism is terrorism. But somehow the man living in the White House does not seem to know that. His silence is grim and dismal."

CBN also uncovered e-mail exchanges posted online in which Siddique called the Holocaust "a hoax" that was "invented," saying there is "not even one document" proving it happened. Jews have "taken over America" by "devious and immoral means," he adds.

"This [Labor Day event] is not a one off deal," Investigative Project on Terrorism Executive Director Ray Locker told CBN. "This is something he has said at similar events over a period of at least a dozen years, as far as we can tell."

Lincoln University, the school's website boasts, is the world's oldest historically African-American college. CBN reports it has received almost $200 million in Pennsylvania state money since 2003.

Michael Hill, the school's executive vice president, told CBN that the University in no way agrees with or supports Siddique's comments on Israel. But, he added, Siddique is tenured and has freedom of speech, and the school cannot control his private life. He added that the school will ensure his personal views do not seep into the classroom.

In an e-mail to CBN, Siddique denied that he was anti-Semitic and said his "speaking out" about Israel, "conform(s) to the ideals and principles that founded Lincoln University."

He explained: "When I refer critically to the 'Jews' I am referring to the current leadership of the 'State of Israel' and to their major supporters, not to the Jewish race as a whole."

Yet his message in Washington failed to make the distinction.  "There's no question of just removing the settlements," he yelled, "These settlements are only the tentacles of the devil that resides in Tel Aviv."