In May 2024, Montgomery College President Jermaine Williams named Anti Israel activist, Dr. Katya Salmi, faculty member of the year, weeks after he demanded she not show the Antisemitic film Occupation of the American Mind. This included a $5,000 cash award. Faculty Awards | Montgomery College, Maryland
Dr. Salmi is a member of Montgomery College’s chapter of Faculty for Justice in Palestine which advocates for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel (BDS). On Feb 20, 2024 she gave a lecture advocating for BDS
On April 16, 2024 MC Faculty for Justice in Palestine was going to co host a screening of the film Occupation of the American Mind, with Dr. Salmi leading a discussion after the film.
The screening was canceled after Dr. Williams issued a statement condemning the film, stating:
The film, The Occupation of the American Mind, depicts antisemitic tropes and fosters antisemitism. It does not uphold our values of respect, civility, and providing a safe and welcoming environment. The impending screening of this film is causing fear, anxiety, and distress for many in our community
A few weeks after Dr. Salmi’s screening of Occupation of the American Mind was canceled, Dr. Williams awarded her Montgomery College Faculty Member of the Year. According to a Montgomery College Facebook post, Dr.Salmi was given the award for her commitment to anti racism and social justice.
