Yasmeen Hanoosh, a tenured professor at Portland State University (PSU), has initiated a $7 million lawsuit against the institution following her placement on administrative leave due to a viral video in which she purportedly expressed support for Hamas. The incident occurred during a June 2025 off-campus event when she responded to a question about Hamas with the statement, 'I am Hamas.' Hanoosh contends that her comment was sarcastic and taken out of context, leading to public defamation and a hostile work environment. PSU President Ann Cudd publicly condemned her remarks, which prompted over 1,200 emails demanding her removal from individuals who were not present at the event. Hanoosh's lawsuit claims that the university conducted a biased investigation that extended over ten months, during which she was not allowed to communicate with colleagues or students. Although the investigation ultimately cleared her of any policy violations, she alleges that the university's actions were retaliatory, especially as her position is among those slated for elimination in upcoming budget cuts. Hanoosh seeks damages for discrimination, defamation, and violations of her free speech rights, emphasizing the need to address issues of Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism.