I have been forwarded a copy of the complaint filed against University of Minnesota Professor Melanie Yazzie. Jon Justice first made me aware of her with a brief video he posted here on X. When I look her up on the university’s site, I am advised that “I am not authorized to access this page.” She appears to be an assistant professor of American Indian Studies at the university’s main campus.
Fortunately, I don’t need authorization to review or share the widely disseminated complaint to university President Rebecca Cunningham, university regents, state legislators, federal authorities, and others. I have received copies of the complaint signed by Dr. John Herezenberg and Deb Haym. The friend who forwarded the complaint to me attributes it to Leanne Praw. I’m not sure who the original author or signatory is, but the substance of the complaint is of interest to those of us who support the university with our tax dollars. Here is the text of the complaint (footnotes and citations omitted):
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This is a written complaint regarding Professor Melanie Yazzie, whose repeated glorification of terrorist violence and incitement to dismantle U.S. institutions endangers students, violates federal protections, and demands immediate investigation. Her statements and affiliations cross the line from academic freedom into extremist advocacy, raising legal, ethical, and institutional accountability concerns. Her conduct fosters an unsafe and hostile climate for Jewish and Israeli students and undermines the university’s obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
I. Documented Pattern of Extremist Activity:
1. November 2023 – Free Palestine National March (Washington, D.C.)
Professor Yazzie declared: “Today, we deliver a devastating blow to colonialism… The end of U.S. imperialism is the only solution—for us, for Palestine, and for the world.” This rhetoric glorifies violent struggle and calls for the dismantling of U.S. institutions.
2. December 2023 – “Predator Empire” Speech at Red Nation Panel
Yazzie referred to the United States as the “greatest predator empire,” demanded it be dismantled, and praised the Hamas-led October 7 massacre as a model of “righteous resistance.”
3. April 2024 – Gaza Encampments at the University of Minnesota
Professor Yazzie appeared in person at protest encampments wearing a keffiyeh and advocating divestment from Israel. These protests disrupted campus operations and led to arrests.
4. June 2025 – “Red Power Hour” Podcast Appearance
Yazzie stated: “Indigenous and Palestinian liberation are inextricably linked—our struggles are unified under the same fight.”
This is part of her growing effort to promote Gaza and Hamas as frameworks for American “decolonization.” — June 2025 appearance on the “Red Power Hour” podcast, a platform promoted within campus events and student activist circles.
5. Professor Yazzie has delivered these inflammatory statements in front of students or during university-sponsored events, using her academic platform to radicalize, intimidate, and incite:
• “The goal is to dismantle the settler project that is the United States.” — December 2023 teach-in at the University of Minnesota titled “From Minnesota to Palestine”, delivered in front of students.
• “I seek to dismantle the United States. I hope you seek to dismantle the United States.” — Same December 2023 student-facing teach-in, urging students to adopt her extremist political goals.
• “Land back is going to happen… Palestine is the alternative path for Native nations.” — Presented during a university-hosted event linking Gaza as a model for student-led Indigenous resistance movements.
II. Antisemitism and Denial of Jewish Indigeneity:
Professor Yazzie’s statements directly deny the Jewish people’s indigenous connection to the land of Israel and present Zionism as a colonial invasion. According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, this constitutes antisemitism:
“Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.”
She has repeatedly aligned herself with antisemitic narratives that delegitimize Jewish identity and glorify those who target Jews for violence. These are not academic positions—they are violations of civil rights, ethics, and safety standards.
III. Title VI Civil Rights Violations
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, universities receiving federal funding must protect students from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. The U.S. Department of Education has clarified that this includes Jewish students when they are targeted based on ancestry or perceived connection to Israel. When a professor with institutional authority promotes the murder of Jews as “resistance” and urges replication of terrorist tactics against other systems, it fosters a hostile and dangerous environment.
IV. Misuse of Public Resources and Tax-Exempt Status:
As a professor at a public university, Yazzie’s use of university affiliation to promote antisemitism, celebrate terrorism, and call for the dismantling of American government institutions conflicts with multiple federal regulations and nonprofit restrictions:
• 501(c)(3): Institutions must not use their platforms to incite violence or propagate hate. Doing so can jeopardize their tax-exempt status, especially if it violates established public policy.
• Higher Education Act: Schools receiving federal aid must comply with laws governing educational neutrality, safety, and non-discrimination.
V. Immediate Demands for Action:
We urge the University of Minnesota and its oversight authorities to take the following actions:
1. Immediately suspend Professor Melanie Yazzie pending a full and independent investigation.
2. Publicly adopt and enforce the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
3. Launch a Title VI compliance review with oversight from the Office for Civil Rights and the Higher Learning Commission.
4. Audit all university-funded events and communications involving Professor Yazzie for violations of federal, state, and institutional policy.
5. Ensure safety for Jewish and Israeli students and apply discipline against any individual who glorifies or incites terrorist violence.
The University of Minnesota has a legal and moral obligation to protect its students from hate, incitement, and discrimination. Professor Yazzie’s conduct is a flagrant breach of those obligations. This is being escalated to state and federal enforcement authorities, accreditation agencies, and the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
We urge you to act swiftly and decisively to restore safety, accountability, and legal compliance at the University of Minnesota.
