The Washington Free Beacon reports that the renowned Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts, has fired Nicholas Payton, its former Brass Department Chairman, following the Washington Free Beacon’s April 14, 2025 article [HERE] into Payton’s anti-Semitic comments, including calling Jews “vile predators” and falsely blaming them for slavery.
Payton claimed that Berklee administrators hired him in the full knowledge of his past remarks about Jews and had indicated their personal agreement with him. Payton stated that:
“[I] was promoted to chair of the department in the fall of 2024. [W]as handpicked by a dean who knew full well about these so-called antisemitic statements and told me that not only he agreed, but so did the provost, the vice president and HR also agree.”
Berklee administrators deny Payton’s assertions.
The Washington Free Beacon article may be read in its entirety HERE.
My brothers and sisters, this situation is very disheartening to this writer on several levels.
First, I am a former professional trombonist who, in 1978, and while still in high school, spent a seven-week summer session at Berklee studying with world-renowned jazz trombonist Phil Wilson. Following music college at North Texas State University (“NTSU”), I had the privilege of working alongside a super-talented Berklee graduate (trumpet player) while assigned to the USAF Alaskan Air Command Band in Anchorage. I have always been very positive in my conversations regarding Berklee, but it seems that current events and a lack of Biblical understanding has again tarnished yet another American college.
Second, there is simply no way that Berklee administrators were completely ‘unaware’ of Payton’s views, as they were plastered on Instagram.
In recent years, the news (including several FGGAM articles) are full of reports about U.S. colleges seemingly embracing antisemitic behavior and hirings. Those of us who name Jesus as Lord need to take every opportunity to remind the public, and sadly, even many of our leaders, that the Jewish people are God’s chosen!
As Christians, we should not relent in praying for the Jewish people and the nation of Israel, which comprises the Holy Land where Jesus was born, lived, crucified, resurrected (defeating death and bringing eternal salvation) and is the very location where Jesus will gloriously return to earth to establish His reign and peace on the earth.
The TRUTH is that whoever desires peace must seek Jesus! The Bible tells us that the government will rest upon the shoulder of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
“For unto us a Child is born, [u]nto us a Son is given; [a]nd the government will be upon His shoulder [emphasis mine]. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
I’ve said it many times before, but it is critical that we remember what the Bible has to say about the Jewish people and Israel.
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NKJV)
“For you [the Jews] are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself [emphasis mine], a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”
Zechariah 2:8 (Amplified Bible)
“For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘[a]fter glory He has sent Me against the nations which plunder you—for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye.’”
