Billionaire Bill Ackman, who donated $26 million to Harvard in 2014, has called for the resignation of the presidents of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT. This comes after the university leaders were questioned by New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on Tuesday about whether calling for the genocide of Jews on campus constitutes bullying and harassment.
During the congressional hearing, Stefanik repeatedly asked Harvard President Claudine Gay, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill, and MIT President Sally Kornbluth if calling for the genocide of Jews falls under their code of conduct. However, the university presidents evaded the question, citing the need for “context.”
In response, Ackman wrote a scathing statement, saying that the university presidents “reflect the profound moral bankruptcy” of their institutions. He stated that their repeated refusal to give a straightforward answer shows their “profound disdain for the Congress.”
Ackman, who is Jewish, emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable, stating that if a CEO of a company gave a similar answer, “he or she would be toast within the hour.” He also pointed out the hypocrisy of university leaders who tout values of inclusivity and diversity but fail to address antisemitism on their campuses.
The presidents of @Harvard, @MIT, and @Penn were all asked the following question under oath at today’s congressional hearing on antisemitism:
Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate [your university’s] code of conduct or rules regarding bullying or harassment?
The… pic.twitter.com/eVlPCHMcVZ
— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) December 5, 2023
“Why has antisemitism exploded on campus and around the world? Because of leaders like Presidents Gay, Magill, and Kornbluth who believe genocide depends on the context,” Ackman said.
He went on to express his disappointment with the universities for their lack of leadership and called for the resignation of the three presidents. “They must all resign in disgrace,” he declared.
Stefanik also expressed her frustration during the hearing, stating that calling for genocide should not depend on the context and that the answer is a straightforward yes. She firmly stated, “This is why you should resign. These are unacceptable answers across the board.”
The hearing shed light on the disturbing reality of antisemitism on university campuses. It also highlighted the need for university leaders to take a strong stance against hate speech and discrimination.
In conclusion, the testimony of the three university presidents has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. As the conversation on hate speech and discrimination continues, it is crucial for educational institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students and take necessary action against those who promote hate.
