The University of Pennsylvania’s Board of Trustees convened an urgent meeting this Thursday following a contentious response from University President Liz Magill to questions about antisemitism during a recent congressional hearing.
The school’s publication, the Daily Pennsylvanian, reported that the meeting started at 9 a.m. and concluded in the afternoon, with Magill retaining her position at its conclusion. A previously scheduled Budget & Finance Committee Executive Committee meeting of the Board of Trustees was called off, as noted in online records.
The controversy stems from a congressional hearing on antisemitism on Tuesday, where Magill was questioned by Representative Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., about the university’s stance on comments endorsing Jewish genocide. “If such speech escalates into action, it might constitute harassment. Yes,” Magill initially replied, later noting that such decisions depend on context.
Unsatisfied, Stefanik pressed Magill for a clearer stance. “Is endorsing Jewish genocide a breach of Penn’s policies on bullying and harassment? Yes or no?” she asked. Magill reiterated that it could be considered harassment.
Magill later revised her comments in a video uploaded to the university’s platform on Wednesday evening. She expressed regret for not adequately addressing the gravity of endorsing Jewish genocide during the hearing. “My focus was on our university’s policies in line with the U.S. Constitution, which does not punish speech alone. However, I should have emphasized the undeniable truth that advocating for Jewish genocide is an extreme form of violence,” Magill stated.
Her initial remarks drew criticism from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Speaking to Jewish Insider, Shapiro deemed Magill’s comments as “unacceptable,” suggesting they reflect poorly on the university’s leadership.