Story perspectives

Sociology Conference Protest Prompts Debate Over Palestine, Partisanship

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shelley Correll, president of the Sociological Association, was at a New York City conference on Sunday when sociologists chanted “Free Palestine” and unfurled a banner.
The chant was masked by Dolly Parton’s “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans.”
Republican officials in states have called sociology a leftist hotbed.
Enrollment in sociology courses has fallen, prompting Indiana University professor Fabio Rojas to say partisanship is causing some colleagues to avoid Palestine discussions.

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Story summary

Shelley Correll, president of the Sociological Association, was at a New York City conference on Sunday when sociologists chanted “Free Palestine” and unfurled a banner.
The chant was masked by Dolly Parton’s “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans.”
Republican officials in states have called sociology a leftist hotbed.
Enrollment in sociology courses has fallen, prompting Indiana University professor Fabio Rojas to say partisanship is causing some colleagues to avoid Palestine discussions.