Backlash on Professor's Post on Immigration

Rohit Parikh, distinguished professor of computer and information science at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, is facing criticism for a Facebook post about immigration, The New York Post reported. Parikh wrote in a now-deleted post that “everyone who is illegally here should be deported but that the U.S. should support them in their home country.” He added, “Immigration, yes. Chaotic and illegal immigration, NO, NO, NO and NO!” Parikh addressed Hispanics, in particular, saying that they “are GOOD people, gentle and nice and not at all criminal.” But “are they really the population which America needs for the rest of this century when more and more education is required?” he asked.

Parikh did not respond to questions from the Post. His controversial comments were made in July but only recently came to light and have since been deleted. The college did not offer comment on the matter, which has prompted student groups to demand disciplinary action against Parikh. Student critics say that the Brooklyn campus enrolls undocumented students and that Parikh’s words represent a threat to their safety. Another Brooklyn College professor angered students and others late last month with a blog post calling sexual assault a rite of passage for men. That professor, Mitchell Langbert, a scholar of business, said it was a satirical comment on the confirmation hearing of now U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The college condemned Langbert’s remarks but said they were protected speech.