Over the past month, university presidents at high-profile institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania have faced criticism from alumni and faculty members who accuse them of not being strong enough in denouncing antisemitism following the Hamas attack on Israel. In response, these universities are taking direct action to address concerns about antisemitism. Columbia has suspended two pro-Palestinian student groups, while Harvard’s president, Claudine Gay, condemned the divisive and antisemitic phrase “from the river to the sea.” The University of Pennsylvania’s president, Elizabeth Magill, also spoke out against antisemitic rhetoric. All three universities have formed task forces to address antisemitism on their campuses.
However, these actions may not appease angry donors and could further fuel pro-Palestinian student activists, who argue that they are advocating for marginalized and oppressed people in Gaza. They claim that the criticism is an attempt to stifle speech and divert attention from the 16-year blockade of Gaza by Israel, supported by Egypt, which has greatly affected Palestinian lives. Pro-Palestinian students also highlight the doxxing and harassment they have faced and are calling for similar efforts against Islamophobia.
Columbia has announced the banning of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace until the end of the fall term, citing violations of university policies. These groups have been at the center of intense demonstrations that have divided students and shaken Columbia’s Manhattan campus. The university’s executive vice president, Gerald Rosberg, stated that the recent event included threatening rhetoric and intimidation, despite warnings to the groups not to engage in such actions. The ban prevents the groups from holding events on campus or receiving university funding for the rest of the semester.
Jewish Voice for Peace’s communications director, Sonya Meyerson-Knox, criticized Columbia’s actions as horrific censorship and intimidation, arguing that the students were standing against war and calling for a cease-fire. This is not the first punitive action against the Students for Justice in Palestine network; Brandeis University near Boston also banned its local chapter from holding activities on campus, citing support for Hamas’ violent elimination of Israel and Jewish people.
The universities’ presidents, including Claudine Gay at Harvard and Elizabeth Magill at the University of Pennsylvania, have faced backlash and calls for their removal due to accusations of tolerating antisemitism. Both have released statements condemning antisemitic messages and actions on their campuses. Gay has also directly reached out to Jewish constituents, delivering remarks at a Shabbat dinner after the Hamas attack. However, despite these efforts, critics remain unsatisfied.
Harvard alumnus Whitney Tilson expressed his anger at Harvard’s response to antisemitism, declining an invitation to meet with a fundraising officer from the business school. He criticized Harvard for damaging its brand and used his platform to share his discontent with nearly 10,000 friends and readers.