TEMPE, Ariz. — An Arizona State University faculty member was placed on leave after a viral video showed him arguing with and cursing at a woman wearing a head scarf at a pro-Israel rally. The university says he had already submitted his resignation at the time of the incident and won't be allowed back on campus.
The incident happened on Sunday in front of ASU. Jonathan Yudelman, listed as a postdoctorate research scholar at ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, is shown in the video getting very close to a woman in a head scarf along University Drive.
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"I'm literally in your face," Yudelman says in the video. "That's right."
The woman kept walking and told Yudelman, "You're disrespecting my religious boundaries."
"You disrespect my sense of humanity, b****," Yudelman replied while continually walking toward the woman who appeared to be trying to get away from him.
The video was posted on various pro-Palestinian social media channels. 12News has been unable to determine where the original video came from or who shot it. The video is also only 58 seconds long and we don't know what happened before or after it.
ASU President Michael Crow said this week that Yudelman is no longer allowed to return to the campus and will "never teach here again."
According to ASU's course catalog, Yudelman taught two classes at the last school year: Great Debates in American Politics and Great Ideas in Politics and Ethics.
ASU issued a statement Monday afternoon that reads:
ASU is aware of the allegations against Jonathan Yudelman and is investigating them. Dr. Yudelman is on leave and will remain so pending the outcome of the investigation.
ASU released a second statement on Wednesday that reads:
Prior to May 5, Yudelman had already resigned his position at ASU, effective June 30, and he was not scheduled to teach any additional courses over the summer. The current investigation is being conducted consistent with the university’s procedures for employee discipline. ASU has also referred this matter, which took place on a city sidewalk, to the Tempe Police Department for a criminal investigation.
Arizona State University protects freedom of speech and expression but does not tolerate threatening or violent behavior. While peaceful protest is welcome, all incidents of violent or threatening behavior will be addressed.
12News tried repeatedly to contact Yudelman, without success.
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