Wayne State University Discontinues “Helen Thomas Diversity Award” After Media Doyenne’s Anti-Semitic Outburst
Wayne State University is ending the Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity in Media award, citing what officials described as anti-Semitic remarks made by the award’s namesake at a conference in Dearborn this week.
Thomas, 90, said Thursday she stands by controversial comments about Israel that led to her resignation as a White House correspondent in June, but then she stoked the controversy with new comments.
“Congress, the White House and Hollywood, Wall Street are owned by the Zionists. No question,” said Thomas, raised in Detroit and the child of Lebanese immigrants. “They put their money where their mouth is.”
Wayne State condemned the remarks. Robert Cohen, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Metropolitan Detroit, said WSU made the right call, adding he found it ironic that Thomas’ remarks came at an event to address “negative stereotyping of members of the Arab community.”