Francesca Albanese Dropped as Georgetown University Scholar Amid Controversy

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Palestinian territories, has reportedly been removed from her position as an “affiliated scholar” at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. This decision follows a campaign by UN Watch, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization, which called for her removal due to allegations of supporting terrorism and antisemitism.

Screenshots shared by UN Watch indicate that Albanese was previously listed as the first name on the “Other Affiliated Scholars” page of the university’s Institute for the Study of International Migration. Both her name and separate biography have since been removed from the university’s website.

Albanese has been a polarizing figure, particularly following her remarks at a Sicilian event on August 8, 2025. In a video of her speech, she stated, “People continue to say, ‘But Hamas, Hamas, Hamas…’ I don’t think people have any idea what Hamas is.” She went on to characterize Hamas as a political force that won the 2005 elections, emphasizing its role in building infrastructure like schools and hospitals.

Her past comments have drawn significant criticism. In July 2014, she faced backlash for fundraising for her former employer, UNRWA, where she referred to the American influence as being “subjugated by the Jewish lobby.” Although she later apologized for her choice of words, the incident has continued to haunt her public image. Albanese acknowledged her error in an interview with Piers Morgan, stating that she was “absolutely wrong” and has since distanced herself from that phrasing.

In light of her removal, Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, expressed support for Georgetown University’s decision. He stated, “Academic institutions have a responsibility to uphold basic standards of integrity and human dignity. Removing an official who has repeatedly trafficked in antisemitic rhetoric and justified terrorism is a necessary step toward restoring those standards.” He added that this action sends a message that positions of authority at the UN do not grant immunity from accountability.

Although UN Watch has claimed credit for the removal, it is also important to note the potential influence of US sanctions imposed on Albanese in July 2023. These sanctions marked her as the first member of the UN to face such action. Marco Rubio, a prominent US Senator, condemned Albanese’s actions, stating, “The United States has repeatedly condemned and objected to the biased and malicious activities of Albanese that have long made her unfit for service as a special rapporteur.”

In recent interviews, Albanese has expressed her concerns regarding the impact of these sanctions. She described the situation as creating a “chilling effect” around her, noting that anyone who interacts with a US-sanctioned individual risks legal repercussions.

Neuer has called for further action, urging the UN to follow Georgetown’s lead and remove Albanese from her post. He stated, “There ought to be no place in the human rights system for officials who promote hatred and excuse terrorism.” In contrast, Albanese has consistently denied the accusations of antisemitism, claiming that such allegations have been weaponized against her.

Georgetown University and Francesca Albanese have been contacted for comments regarding this situation.