The University of Michigan on Monday moved to distance itself from a staff member who refused to send a letter of recommendation for a student who wanted to study in Israel, saying that it opposes boycotts of the Jewish state.
John Cheney-Lippold, an associate professor in the university’s Department of American Culture, had said he would write an undergraduate’s reference letter for a semester abroad program, but rescinded the offer after finding out she wanted to study in Israel.
In a statement released late Monday, the public university said it was unhappy with Cheney-Lippold’s actions.
“It is disappointing that a faculty member would allow their personal political beliefs to limit the support they are willing to otherwise provide for our students,” the school said.