A writer who had received awards from The New York Times Magazine, Jazmine Hughes, tendered her resignation from the publication on Friday. Her decision to resign followed her signing of the “Writers Against the War on Gaza” petition, which characterizes Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza as a “genocide.”
Jake Silverstein, the magazine’s editor, announced Hughes’ resignation in a staff message Friday, the Times reported.
“While I respect that she has strong convictions, this was a clear violation of The Times’s policy on public protest,” Silverstein wrote. “This policy, which I fully support, is an important part of our commitment to independence.”
Hughes previously signed another letter, along with other Times staffers, protesting the publication’s coverage of trans issues. The letter was criticized by Times leadership.
“She and I discussed that her desire to stake out this kind of public position and join in public protests isn’t compatible with being a journalist at The Times, and we both came to the conclusion that she should resign,” Silverstein continued. The New York Times
Hughes declined a request for comment from the Times.
New York Times Magazine contributing writer Jamie Lauren Keiles, who also signed the petition, announced Friday that he would no longer be contributing to the publication. He said being affiliated with the Times harmed his writing.