University of Kentucky professor under investigation for petition calling for Israel's destruction

Monica Kast, Lexington Herald-Leader on Jul 18, 2025

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — A University of Kentucky employee has been removed from teaching and is under investigation for circulating an online petition calling for the destruction of Israel, university officials said Friday.

UK law professor Ramsi Woodcock is running a website called the “Antizionist Legal Studies Movement.” It includes a petition demanding “every country in the world make war on Israel immediately until such time as Israel has submitted permanently and unconditionally to the government of Palestine,” according to the website.

Though Woodcock is not identified in the statement from the university as the professor under investigation, the website aligns with allegations in the statement from UK. Woodcock identifies himself as a UK law professor on the site.

Woodcock’s signature is the only one currently visible on the petition. The website also includes a call for papers for “The Inaugural Ending Israel Conference,” with the dates set for May 2026, and discusses being a safe space to discuss “ending Israel and liberating Palestine.”

A review by outside legal counsel has been initiated by UK, and the university has requested “accelerated findings” from the review, President Eli Capilouto said in a statement Friday.

“We condemn any call for violence and the views expressed online certainly do not represent the institution’s views. They express hate,” he said.

“While someone in his or her personal capacity may be free to express themselves, the university is also free to make clear that the individual’s personal views are not those of our community,” Let me be clear: The views expressed by this employee, if accurately attributed, are repugnant.”

Capilouto added: “Importantly, too, if such individual expressions threaten the safety and well-being of the university’s students and staff, we are obligated to act to protect our community and our people.”

Woodcock’s statements and calls to action “can be interpreted as antisemitic in accordance with state and federal guidance,” Capilouto said.

“This is a community that takes seriously its values, values central to our mission to advance Kentucky,” he said. “Among them, we protect academic freedom and the vigorous exchange of ideas, central to the creation and dissemination of knowledge. We also foster a community where everyone can find a home, can feel a sense of safety and well-being and can, as a result, have the opportunity to thrive.”

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