During congression testimony, MIT, the University of Penn, and Harvard’s president said that protests calling using vicious rhetoric toward Israeli students does not necessarily violate their school’s code of conduct.
From the Washington Free Beacon:
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.) had asked the university heads whether “calling for the genocide of Jews” violates their school’s code of conduct or rules with regard to bullying or harassment.
“If targeted at individuals, not making public statements,” said Sally Kornbluth of MIT. After Stefanik pressed her on it, Kornbluth said such statements “would be investigated as harassment if pervasive and severe.”
“If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment, yes,” said Liz Magill of Penn. Stefanik pressed her as well, leading Magill to add, “If it is directed and severe or pervasive, it is harassment.” When Stefanik asked her for a firm “yes,” Magill replied that it is “a context-dependent decision.”
“It’s a context-dependent decision? That’s your testimony today?” Stefanik replied. “Calling for the genocide of Jews is depending upon the context? That is not bullying or harassment? This is the easiest question to answer ‘yes’ Ms. Magill.”
Magill then said that “if the speech becomes conduct, it can be harassment.” When Stefanik pressed her again, she said the call “can be harassment.”
Harvard President Claudine Gay made similar comments.
“It can be, depending on the context,” Gay replied.
The next day, Penn’s president was out backtrack after the immense backlash.
REMINDER: This was Liz yesterday smirking as she explained that calling for the g*noc*de of Jews on campus doesn’t violate any policies. https://t.co/QhUQuZ0uWT pic.twitter.com/NJuG9RexeL
— Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) December 7, 2023
Harvard also tried to backtrack.
Statement from President Gay: There are some who have confused a right to free expression with the idea that Harvard will condone calls for violence against Jewish students. Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic…
— Harvard University (@Harvard) December 6, 2023
During an appearance on CNBC Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren was asked if the presidents of the Universities that testified should keep their jobs. Warren said that if they can’t denounce extremism then they shouldn’t keep their jobs.
“Do you think the leaders of [Harvard, MIT, Penn] should still be in their jobs? You’ve been very outspoken about other people and their jobs. I’m curious about these people and their jobs.”
ELIZABETH WARREN: “I think they have all said that they are wrong…” pic.twitter.com/vlU5qUcTc8
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 7, 2023
When you lose Senator Elizabeth Warren, you know you are in trouble.
There are several reports that on December 7, 2023, the University of Penn trustees held an emergency meeting to deal with the aftermath of Magill’s comments.
