Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Nicholas Payton, Chair of the Brass Department at Berklee College of Music, has made repeated, public antisemitic statements, and yet he remains in a leadership role, shaping the minds of young musicians.
Payton’s rhetoric is not vague nor misunderstood. He has accused Jews of exploitation, claimed they “control a large portion of the media and entertainment industry,” and referred to Jewish individuals as “vile predators.”
He even defended a video that accused Jews of running the global slave trade, dismissing concerns by calling it “a quote from the Bible.”
These are not academic critiques. They are bigoted, dangerous conspiracies that have fueled hatred for generations.
In September, Berklee College of Music—one of the most prestigious contemporary music schools in the world—named Nicholas Payton chair of its brass department.
New reporting from @LevineJonathan has uncovered Payton’s years-long history of posting anti-Semitic and historically… pic.twitter.com/rOsHhYediU
— Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) April 14, 2025
That Berklee College of Music would elevate someone with such a record is a moral failure. It raises serious concerns about the institution’s values and its commitment to protecting students from hate and discrimination.
This is not just about one professor—it’s about the standards we expect from institutions that shape the next generation.
If Berklee remains silent, it sends a message that antisemitism is acceptable in positions of power and influence.
There must be accountability. Berklee must act—immediately and publicly—to show that hate has no place in its classrooms or leadership.
Let’s send that message loud and clear.
CLICK HERE to sign the petition.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
