In an alarming development, the presidents of three prestigious U.S. universities – Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – have come under scrutiny for their ambiguous stance on whether calls for the genocide of Jews breach their respective institutions’ codes of conduct. This controversy emerged during a recent inquiry led by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
During the inquiry, Stefanik posed a direct and morally straightforward question to each university president: “Does advocating for the genocide of Jews violate your school’s code of conduct?” To the dismay of many, all three presidents – Claudine Gay of Harvard, Liz Magill of Penn, and Sally Kornbluth of MIT – refrained from providing a clear affirmative response.
This hesitation to categorically denounce calls for genocide against Jews has sparked intense criticism. It brings into question the ethical compass guiding these academic institutions. Remarkably, all three presidents acknowledged that student rallies on their campuses had called for an Intifada against Israeli Jews and Jews globally. They recognized that “Intifada” implies a call for widespread violence against Jews. Nonetheless, they justified this as protected speech, citing ‘context’ as a factor.
The reluctance to define such calls for violence as a violation of university policy or as constituting harassment or bullying is deeply troubling. This stance raises concerns about the commitment of these institutions to fundamental human rights and the fight against hatred and bigotry.
The situation has led to broader questions about the role and responsibility of academic institutions in shaping societal values and norms. It also challenges the Jewish community, particularly those who traditionally support Democratic ideals, to reconsider their alignment with parties or organizations that appear tolerant of such extremist rhetoric.
This controversy is not just a flashpoint in the ongoing debates around free speech and academic freedom. It is a stark reminder of the need for moral clarity and ethical leadership in our society’s most revered institutions. The failure of these university presidents to take a firm stand against calls for genocide is a worrying sign of the times, calling for introspection and action from all who value justice and human dignity.