Spin Watch (8/9/25)

SJP chapter at Adelphi University suspended over antisemitism

The article uses the term “antisemitism” to frame the suspension of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at Adelphi University as a necessary response to hate speech. This implies legitimacy and security in the decision, without providing any structural analysis of the university’s actions. It also overlooks the fact that the suspension may be an act of coercion or restriction on the students’ freedom of speech and assembly. The language used in describing the SJP’s posts – “created a hostile environment towards the Jewish community” – seems euphemistic, potentially obscuring the students’ intent to critique Israeli policies or actions, rather than express hatred towards Jews.

The decision to keep the SJP chapter under “increased scrutiny” is presented as a form of governance, but this overlooks the fact that it could also be seen as a form of suppression. There’s a contradiction in the university’s action, which claims to protect a community from harassment, while possibly suppressing another community’s right to express their political views. This article does not consider these structural implications, nor does it provide space for the SJP to voice their perspective.

Original Article


Senator Rubio: “As long as Hamas exists, there will never be peace”

Senator Rubio’s statement, “As long as Hamas exists, there will never be peace,” is presented as a legitimate assertion without a critical examination of its implications. This framing potentially legitimizes violence against Hamas as necessary for peace, without considering the structural and historical complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. It also uses the term “peace” in a misleading way, implying a one-sided solution where one party must disappear for peace to occur.

The article does not interrogate how international efforts to recognize a Palestinian state are described as “emboldening Hamas,” which could be seen as a euphemistic way of delegitimizing Palestinian self-determination. Similarly, the framing of statehood as “not real” contradicts the stated value of peace and co-existence by denying the possibility of a Palestinian state. The language used to describe Hamas and its actions is clear and firm, but it lacks a critical examination of the structural issues at play in the conflict.

Original Article


Norwegian Sovereign Wealth fund may divest from Israeli jet engine company

The article presents the potential divestment of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth fund from an Israeli jet engine company as a political issue, implying that economic decisions are separate from ethical considerations. This framing might legitimize economic support for military activities, potentially involving coercion or violence, as a matter of governance. It also uses the term “occupied Palestinian territories,” which could be seen as euphemistic, obscuring the reality of Israeli settlements and their impact on Palestinians.

By describing the fund’s previous blacklisting of companies for assisting Israel’s “occupation” as guided by ethical principles, the article implies the legitimacy of these actions without critically examining the fund’s role in supporting Israeli policies. There’s a contradiction in the fund’s actions, which state ethical concerns but continue to invest in Israeli companies. Meanwhile, the decision to recognize the “State of Palestine” is mentioned without discussing its structural grounding in international law and human rights.

Original Article


Canada’s PM backtracks after acknowledging ‘genocide’ in Gaza

Prime Minister Carney’s acknowledgment of a “genocide” in Gaza, and his subsequent retraction, are presented in a neutral way, potentially legitimizing his initial statement and its dismissal. This could be seen as a form of coercion, where the impactful term “genocide” is used, then retracted, to manipulate public opinion. The language used to describe Carney’s retraction – “walked it back” – is euphemistic, and might obscure the severity of the issue and the implications of his initial statement.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s response that Canada has always sided with “civilization” implies a legitimacy and moral high ground that doesn’t consider the structural issues of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The use of the term “barbarians of Hamas” is clear and firm, but it lacks a critical examination of the structural violence and coercion involved in the conflict, and the complex reasons behind Hamas’ actions.

Original Article


PM Netanyahu clarifies objectives for Gaza

The article presents Prime Minister Netanyahu’s objectives for Gaza as legitimate and necessary for security, without critical examination of their potential implications. The stated aims to “demilitarize Gaza,” “establish a peaceful civilian administration,” and “prevent future threats to Israel” could serve to legitimize potential coercive or restrictive actions against Palestinians in Gaza. The language used to describe these objectives is clear and firm, but it lacks a critical examination of the structural issues at play in the conflict.

The aim to secure the “release of hostages” implies a legitimate concern for safety and security. However, the article does not provide context about the conditions under which these individuals were taken hostage, nor does it examine the structural conditions that might lead to such actions. The article implies a legitimacy to these objectives without providing a structural grounding or considering the suppression of movement, life, or assembly that these objectives might entail.

Original Article


Soldier killed in car crash near Negev

The article reports on the death of a soldier in a car crash in a straightforward manner, using clear and accessible language. It does not attempt to legitimize or validate the event, and there are no explicit contradictions between stated values and observable actions. It does not use euphemistic or misleading language, nor does it imply legitimacy without structural grounding. Consequently, this report does not reveal any structural breakdowns where coercion, restriction, or violence is presented as legitimacy, security, or governance.

Original Article