Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
@profirmf.bsky.social
tired Islam, South Asia, race, & religion professor. podcaster. parent. enthusiastic killjoy. drama & drag & bad movie fan. adoptee. she/her.
(specifics @ profirmf.com)
(specifics @ profirmf.com)
Pinned
Religion Is Not Done with You by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst, Megan Goodwin: 9780807012758 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
A smart, irreverent, and accessible guide to thinking more deeply about how religion permeates and shapes the world around us –and why you need to understand the work it's doing Religion lurks...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
our book is about systems of power—& especially religion
we say repeatedly that religion is what people do
the good & bad & everything
enough white Christian Americans are doing fascism that that is the whole game now
so study up
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/757650...
we say repeatedly that religion is what people do
the good & bad & everything
enough white Christian Americans are doing fascism that that is the whole game now
so study up
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/757650...
whole thread
This is to say the decades long efforts to defund religious studies within the broader defund humanities movement is a grave error.
The world is dealing with authoritarian populisms which leverage religious traditions, beliefs, communities, & leaders to advance political goals & for profit. /5
The world is dealing with authoritarian populisms which leverage religious traditions, beliefs, communities, & leaders to advance political goals & for profit. /5
February 16, 2026 at 11:52 AM
whole thread
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
Citizens must be able to recognize how states use political religion (eg Trump’s EO on protecting Christianity) & stoke, support, & leverage political theology (eg hegseth’s xtian nationalist speeches to military, pastors preaching for trump nationalism, Alito’s opinion in Roe). /6
February 16, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Citizens must be able to recognize how states use political religion (eg Trump’s EO on protecting Christianity) & stoke, support, & leverage political theology (eg hegseth’s xtian nationalist speeches to military, pastors preaching for trump nationalism, Alito’s opinion in Roe). /6
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
This is to say the decades long efforts to defund religious studies within the broader defund humanities movement is a grave error.
The world is dealing with authoritarian populisms which leverage religious traditions, beliefs, communities, & leaders to advance political goals & for profit. /5
The world is dealing with authoritarian populisms which leverage religious traditions, beliefs, communities, & leaders to advance political goals & for profit. /5
February 16, 2026 at 2:19 AM
This is to say the decades long efforts to defund religious studies within the broader defund humanities movement is a grave error.
The world is dealing with authoritarian populisms which leverage religious traditions, beliefs, communities, & leaders to advance political goals & for profit. /5
The world is dealing with authoritarian populisms which leverage religious traditions, beliefs, communities, & leaders to advance political goals & for profit. /5
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
India does not have the academic study of religion. IMO, this is part of the reason why modi’s Hindu nationalist regime gained control of India
the concept of religion is a western construct that doesn’t “fit” non-Abrahamic traditions. Many Hindus say Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. 🧵
the concept of religion is a western construct that doesn’t “fit” non-Abrahamic traditions. Many Hindus say Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. 🧵
If it is not clear, they are arresting Black activists & journalists b/c they can’t deport them legally & state terror can serve a dual purpose of chilling dissent & labeling Black folks as rioters (read-anti nationals)./1
A 🧵 showing how this worked in India from 2014-2019.
A 🧵 showing how this worked in India from 2014-2019.
February 16, 2026 at 2:19 AM
India does not have the academic study of religion. IMO, this is part of the reason why modi’s Hindu nationalist regime gained control of India
the concept of religion is a western construct that doesn’t “fit” non-Abrahamic traditions. Many Hindus say Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. 🧵
the concept of religion is a western construct that doesn’t “fit” non-Abrahamic traditions. Many Hindus say Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. 🧵
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
The commander in chief telling troops who they have to vote for is itself a presidency ending impeachable scandal.
February 14, 2026 at 4:12 PM
The commander in chief telling troops who they have to vote for is itself a presidency ending impeachable scandal.
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
The reason these people have been attacking scholars and universities is that they stand in the way of the ahistorical bullshit they need to spew in order to construct white Christian nationalism
The Rubio speech really is appalling, and if you haven’t read it yet, you should.
www.state.gov/releases/off...
www.state.gov/releases/off...
February 15, 2026 at 4:17 PM
The reason these people have been attacking scholars and universities is that they stand in the way of the ahistorical bullshit they need to spew in order to construct white Christian nationalism
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
this is a straightforward recipe for legal lynching, just like it was the last time these laws existed in the South
As a child protection professional, I can tell you the death penalty is NOT an awesome solution to child sexual abuse. Most children are abused by family members; they will not report if their family members will die as a result.
February 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM
this is a straightforward recipe for legal lynching, just like it was the last time these laws existed in the South
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
It's super cool to be a 43-year-old woman in a time when medical science is just starting to learn things about menopause, but also medical science is now being cancelled by a rich dude who snorts coke off a toilet seat.
Scientists Just Uncovered How Menopause Rewires the Brain
Scientists Just Uncovered How Menopause Rewires the Brain
Menopause reshapes the brain in surprising ways — but it may also reveal the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt.
share.google
February 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM
It's super cool to be a 43-year-old woman in a time when medical science is just starting to learn things about menopause, but also medical science is now being cancelled by a rich dude who snorts coke off a toilet seat.
dthis is dthe jersey I know
Yesterday morning kids were sent running from their bus stop in panic because ICE showed up. This guy at today’s ICE Out of Lindenwold protest is a must watch 😭. @maddow.bsky.social
February 14, 2026 at 9:19 PM
dthis is dthe jersey I know
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
"The abolition of gender studies is a way of further guaranteeing impunity to the elite men whose contempt for and exploitation of women & girls apparently knew no bounds, whether they actually slept with the women on offer or simply shared Epstein’s fantasies in order to gain influence or funding."
Gender studies courses are shutting down across the US. The Epstein files reveal why | Joan Wallach Scott
Gender studies courses are shutting down across the US. The Epstein files reveal why | Joan Wallach Scott
Texas A&M University is the latest school to end women’s and gender studies programs and teaching race. We know why
www.theguardian.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:05 AM
"The abolition of gender studies is a way of further guaranteeing impunity to the elite men whose contempt for and exploitation of women & girls apparently knew no bounds, whether they actually slept with the women on offer or simply shared Epstein’s fantasies in order to gain influence or funding."
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
DOGE allegedly used ChatGPT to identify 1,400 NEH grants it said were DEI. Grants were terminated April 2025, according to a court filing. E.g.
Film: 1873 Colfax massacre
Film: first female pilots flying for U.S. military in WWII
Film: “Untold Story of Jewish Women Slave Labor in the Holocaust"
Film: 1873 Colfax massacre
Film: first female pilots flying for U.S. military in WWII
Film: “Untold Story of Jewish Women Slave Labor in the Holocaust"
ChatGPT cuts in action
www.politico.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:49 PM
DOGE allegedly used ChatGPT to identify 1,400 NEH grants it said were DEI. Grants were terminated April 2025, according to a court filing. E.g.
Film: 1873 Colfax massacre
Film: first female pilots flying for U.S. military in WWII
Film: “Untold Story of Jewish Women Slave Labor in the Holocaust"
Film: 1873 Colfax massacre
Film: first female pilots flying for U.S. military in WWII
Film: “Untold Story of Jewish Women Slave Labor in the Holocaust"
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
Trump nominated a legit white nationalist to a top post at the State Department. I asked him some basic questions about his belief in the “erasure of white culture”. Watch this embarrassing, fumbling answer. Like he has never before been asked to explain his views.
February 12, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Trump nominated a legit white nationalist to a top post at the State Department. I asked him some basic questions about his belief in the “erasure of white culture”. Watch this embarrassing, fumbling answer. Like he has never before been asked to explain his views.
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
this is a level of complicity that had not occurred to me
Gallup will no longer measure presidential approval after 88 years thehill.com/homenews/med...
February 11, 2026 at 7:28 PM
this is a level of complicity that had not occurred to me
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
Getting weirder!! bsky.app/profile/ship...
The FAA has issued a separate security NOTAM for Santa Teresa, New Mexico, banning all flight operations in the affected area for the same time window and altitude limits as the El Paso airspace closure, citing “special security reasons.”
February 11, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Getting weirder!! bsky.app/profile/ship...
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
This is extremely weird. apnews.com/article/faa-...
FAA closes airspace around El Paso, Texas, for 10 days, grounding all flights
The Federal Aviation Administration is closing the airspace around El Paso International Airport in Texas for 10 days, grounding all flights to and from the airport.
apnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:10 PM
This is extremely weird. apnews.com/article/faa-...
how mortifying
I got an incredible PhD education at UNC, which included teaching fellowships in Islamic studies
my mentors, in 2007-2012, were already teaching us how to manage hate mail, students reporting you, etc
I’d have left if this was the policy
which I suspect is the goal
I got an incredible PhD education at UNC, which included teaching fellowships in Islamic studies
my mentors, in 2007-2012, were already teaching us how to manage hate mail, students reporting you, etc
I’d have left if this was the policy
which I suspect is the goal
“The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recently rolled out a new policy that permits university officials to record classes without notifying the instructor. It’s a practice administrators have used in the past to investigate professors but have now formalized in writing.”
UNC Admin Can Now, Officially, Secretly Record Faculty
The new policy prohibits students from recording class without permission but explicitly allows administrators to surveil professors for any “lawful purpose.”
www.insidehighered.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:18 PM
how mortifying
I got an incredible PhD education at UNC, which included teaching fellowships in Islamic studies
my mentors, in 2007-2012, were already teaching us how to manage hate mail, students reporting you, etc
I’d have left if this was the policy
which I suspect is the goal
I got an incredible PhD education at UNC, which included teaching fellowships in Islamic studies
my mentors, in 2007-2012, were already teaching us how to manage hate mail, students reporting you, etc
I’d have left if this was the policy
which I suspect is the goal
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
In a similar project, I will begin studying my freezer's ability to bake a cake
The National Cancer Institute will begin studying ivermectin's ability to kill cancer cells, @rachanadpradhan.bsky.social reports
www.statnews.com/2026/02/10/i...
www.statnews.com/2026/02/10/i...
National Cancer Institute studying ivermectin’s ‘ability to kill cancer cells,’ alarming career scientists
The National Cancer Institute is studying ivermectin as a potential cancer treatment, according to its top official, alarming career scientists.
www.statnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:02 AM
In a similar project, I will begin studying my freezer's ability to bake a cake
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
people born in america probably don’t realize how cool america used to be. the death of US soft power is going to have long term consequences we are only beginning to see
February 10, 2026 at 3:23 PM
people born in america probably don’t realize how cool america used to be. the death of US soft power is going to have long term consequences we are only beginning to see
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
We put on an all-Yiddish community production of fiddler on the roof in Philadelphia and cast member and local artist Sofie Rose Seymour created the most amazing show poster that ever was
February 6, 2026 at 5:10 AM
We put on an all-Yiddish community production of fiddler on the roof in Philadelphia and cast member and local artist Sofie Rose Seymour created the most amazing show poster that ever was
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
In one 30-minute stretch, three legal observers were arrested — as Trump’s Border czar Tom Homan calls on locals to “end the resistance.”
“Uptick In Abductions”: ICE Ramps Up Targeting of Minneapolis Legal Observers
In one 30-minute stretch, three Minneapolis legal observers were arrested as ICE ramped up its targeting of community volunteers.
interc.pt
February 9, 2026 at 6:19 PM
In one 30-minute stretch, three legal observers were arrested — as Trump’s Border czar Tom Homan calls on locals to “end the resistance.”
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
“If passed, the SAVE Act will disenfranchise 20 million voters.”
Trump has pushed the Republicans to hold a vote in the House this week.
Call your Rep and your Senators.
202-224-3121
Trump has pushed the Republicans to hold a vote in the House this week.
Call your Rep and your Senators.
202-224-3121
February 10, 2026 at 1:11 AM
“If passed, the SAVE Act will disenfranchise 20 million voters.”
Trump has pushed the Republicans to hold a vote in the House this week.
Call your Rep and your Senators.
202-224-3121
Trump has pushed the Republicans to hold a vote in the House this week.
Call your Rep and your Senators.
202-224-3121
well, I didn’t have “why do you think a convicted rapist just said he was going to kill himself because he was fat on tv?” as a parenting chat today but
here we are
here we are
February 9, 2026 at 1:43 AM
well, I didn’t have “why do you think a convicted rapist just said he was going to kill himself because he was fat on tv?” as a parenting chat today but
here we are
here we are
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
A perfect summary of our moment from armond(dot)needs(dot)rest on IG and Tiktok www.instagram.com/reel/DUU20Vg...
February 8, 2026 at 9:57 AM
A perfect summary of our moment from armond(dot)needs(dot)rest on IG and Tiktok www.instagram.com/reel/DUU20Vg...
Reposted by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst
NYT confirming MS NOW reporting:
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Prosecutors Began Investigating Renee Good’s Killing. Washington Told Them to Stop.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:10 PM
NYT confirming MS NOW reporting:
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.
Prosecutors began investigating Renee Good's killing, then Washington told them to stop.
Federal prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Good's vehicle, but Trump leaders said to drop it. About a dozen prosecutors have since departed.