Vanderbilt Investigates Math Professor Over Controversial Calculus Problem

University launches probe after lecturer presents anti-Israel word problem to class

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Vanderbilt University has launched an investigation into a math lecturer after he presented an anti-Israel calculus word problem to his class. The controversial slide asked students to calculate the rate at which the 'width of the land' in 'Palestine' is decreasing due to 'occupation by Israel'. The university has removed the content and initiated a formal inquiry, while student reactions have been mixed.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the appropriate boundaries for political and ideological content in academic coursework, particularly in fields like mathematics that are traditionally viewed as objective and apolitical. It also highlights ongoing tensions around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses.

The details

The controversy came to light when the advocacy group StopAntisemitism posted the slide on social media, accusing the lecturer, Tekin Karadǎg, of bringing 'anti-Israel, antisemitic bias' into the classroom. Vanderbilt responded by removing the content and launching a formal investigation. While some students defended Karadǎg as a kind and effective teacher, others criticized the problem as politically biased and factually inaccurate.

  • On February 20, 2026, the advocacy group StopAntisemitism posted the controversial calculus problem on social media.
  • On February 21, 2026, Vanderbilt University announced it had received reports about the offensive content and initiated a formal inquiry.

The players

Tekin Karadǎg

A math lecturer at Vanderbilt University who presented the controversial calculus problem to his class.

StopAntisemitism

An advocacy group that brought the controversial calculus problem to public attention by posting it on social media.

Vanderbilt University

The institution that launched an investigation into the math lecturer after the controversial calculus problem was brought to their attention.

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What they’re saying

“Vanderbilt University – why is mathematics lecturer Tekin Karadǎg bringing his anti-Israel, antisemitic bias into his classroom? This is unacceptable”

— StopAntisemitism, Advocacy group (Twitter)

“The teaching of calculus – or any subject – is not an opportunity for an instructor to inculcate the class with their personal biases and politics; that is both commonsense and the policy of the University.”

— Vanderbilt Hillel, Student organization (The College Fix)

“Encouraging students to consider how concepts operate beyond the classroom is a fundamental aspect of higher education.”

— Vanderbilt Alumni for Palestine and Students for Justice in Palestine, Student organizations (Instagram)

What’s next

Vanderbilt University has stated that it will take appropriate disciplinary action, including potential termination, depending on the findings of its formal investigation into the matter.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in balancing academic freedom, political neutrality, and sensitivity to diverse perspectives on contentious issues. It underscores the need for clear policies and training to ensure instructors avoid introducing personal biases into their teaching, especially in core academic subjects.