Hofstra professor faces possible dismissal after “word salad” comment sparks discrimination probe
Richard Himelfarb, a political science professor at Hofstra University, may be terminated after Santiago Slabodsky filed a racial discrimination complaint over Himelfarb’s “word salad” remark.
During a faculty meeting on November 3, 2025, Hofstra University political science professor Richard Himelfarb called colleague Santiago Slabodsky’s presentation “word salad,” a phrase Slabodsky, who was born in Argentina, interpreted as an insult to his accent and heritage. Slabodsky filed a discrimination complaint, prompting Human Resources Vice President Denise Cunningham to determine there was reasonable cause for an investigation.
The issue was escalated to the ad-hoc University Harassment Board, which can advise President Susan Poser on possible termination even though Himelfarb holds tenure. Himelfarb enlisted the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and the Academic Freedom Alliance for legal assistance and offered a public apology that Slabodsky declined. After Himelfarb retained counsel, Slabodsky filed a second complaint alleging retaliation.
Hofstra states the process is proceeding under its policies, noting First Amendment considerations, and no disciplinary action has yet been taken. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over free speech and perceived “woke” policing in academia.
Why it matters
The case highlights how academic free-speech disputes can lead to tenure-risking investigations and broader debates over campus speech norms.
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