Vandalism Sparks Political Controversy and Cancellation of Palestine Colloquium at Collège de France

An investigation has been opened after the Collège de France in Paris experienced acts of vandalism involving derogatory graffiti targeting a colloquium on Palestine. The prestigious institution filed complaints regarding incidents on November 5 and 14, 2025, where graffiti accused Professor Henry Laurens, the colloquium organizer, of "complicity with Hamas." Further tags on November 14 targeted other speakers and criticized the event's alleged anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic nature.

The colloquium, titled "Palestine and Europe: Weight of the Past and Contemporary Dynamics," was originally set to be held at the Collège de France from November 13 to 14 but was relocated to the Centre for Arab Research and Political Studies in Paris due to the controversy. The Collège de France cited concerns over "the safety of property and people" and the need for "serenity of events" as reasons to cancel the venue.

The event has faced strong criticism from organizations and political figures. The Ligue internationale contre le racisme et l’antisémitisme (Licra) denounced it as an "anti-Zionist fair," while Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF), condemned the colloquium's content. Minister of Higher Education Philippe Baptiste described the cancellation as a "responsible" decision but denied any government pressure to cancel. Meanwhile, about 40 people gathered outside the Ministry of Higher Education and Research to advocate for academic freedoms.

This case highlights the intense political sensitivities and tensions in France surrounding discussions on Palestine, academic freedom, and accusations of anti-Semitism and political bias, leading to physical threats and disruption of academic events.