Billionaire donor demands resignation of Harvard, MIT, Penn presidents for considering ‘context’ in calls for Jewish genocide
Billionaire Bill Ackman Calls for Resignation of University Presidents Over Genocide Remarks
In a shocking turn of events, billionaire philanthropist Bill Ackman has demanded the resignation of the presidents of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT. This comes after they refused to acknowledge that calling for the genocide of Jews on campus violated their own rules against bullying and harassment.
During a congressional hearing on antisemitism, New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik grilled Harvard President Claudine Gay, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill, and MIT President Sally Kornbluth on whether advocating for the genocide of Jews constituted bullying and harassment. To everyone’s surprise, they evaded the question, citing the need for “context.”
Bill Ackman, who had previously donated a staggering $26 million to Harvard, expressed his outrage at the university presidents’ responses. He stated, “The answers they gave reflect the profound moral bankruptcy of Presidents Gay, Magill, and Kornbluth… They must all resign in disgrace.”
Ackman further criticized the leaders, pointing out the educational and ethical failures that have plagued elite institutions like Harvard, UPenn, and MIT. He emphasized that if a CEO of a company provided similar answers, they would face immediate consequences. He attributed the rise of antisemitism to leaders like Gay, Magill, and Kornbluth, who believe that the context determines the acceptability of genocide.
Throughout the hearing, the three university presidents displayed a dismissive attitude towards Congress, with their smiles and smirks. They consistently refused to provide straightforward answers, frustrating Stefanik and reinforcing Ackman’s call for their resignation.
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
During the intense exchange with Stefanik, Magill claimed that if speech turned into conduct, it could be considered harassment. Stefanik, clearly angered by this response, retorted, “So ‘conduct’ means committing the act of genocide? The speech is not harassment? This is unacceptable.”
When Gay was questioned last, she reluctantly agreed that calling for the genocide of Jews violated Harvard’s code of conduct, but only depending on the context. Stefanik firmly declared, “It does not depend on the context. The answer is yes.”
Stefanik then directly addressed the three presidents, stating, “And this is why you should resign. These are unacceptable answers across the board.”
The transcript of the tense exchanges between Stefanik and the university presidents is provided below:
Stefanik: Dr. Kornbluth, at MIT, does calling for the genocide of Jews violate MIT’s code of conduct or rules regarding bullying and harassment? Yes or no?
Kornbluth: With targeted individuals, not public statements.
Stefanik: Yes or no? Calling for the genocide of Jews does not constitute bullying and harassment?
Kornbluth: I have not heard calling for the genocide of Jews on our campus.
Stefanik: But you’ve heard chants for intifada.
Kornbluth: I’ve heard chants which can be anti-Semitic depending on the context when calling for the elimination of the Jewish people.
Stefanik: So those would not be according to the MIT’s code of conduct or rules?
Kornbluth: That would be investigated as harassment if pervasive and severe.
Stefanik: Ms. Magill, at Penn, does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penn’s rules or code of conduct? Yes or no.
Magill, smiling: If the speech turns into conduct it can be harassment. Yes.
Stefanik: I am asking, specifically calling for the genocide of Jews, does that constitute bullying and harassment?
Magill: If it is directed and severe or pervasive it is harassment.
Stefanik: So the answer is yes.
Magill, smiling: It is a context-dependent decision, Congresswoman.
Stefanik: It’s a context-dependent decision? That’s your testimony today? Calling for the genocide of Jews is depending on the context? That is not bullying or harassment? This is the easiest question to answer yes, Ms. Magill. So is your testimony that you will not answer yes? Yes or no?
Magill: If the speech becomes conduct, it can be harassment. Yes.
Stefanik: “Conduct” meaning committing the act of genocide? The speech is not harassment? This is unacceptable, Ms. Magill. I’m going to give you one more opportunity for the world to see your answer. Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penn’s code of conduct when it comes to bullying or harassment? Yes or no.
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According to Dr. Magill, does speech calling for the genocide of Jews constitute harassment?
Weight: 400″>Stefanik: Dr. Magill, at the University of Pennsylvania, does calling for the genocide of Jews violate UPenn’s code of conduct or rules regarding bullying and harassment? Yes or no?
Magill: Conduct that directly targets individuals, yes.
Stefanik: So calling for the genocide of Jews does not constitute harassment?
Magill: Speech can constitute harassment if it leads to a course of conduct.
Stefanik: So calling for genocide is not harassment, but the actions that follow are?
Magill: Yes, depending on the context.
Stefanik: No, it does not depend on the context. The answer is yes. You should resign.
Stefanik: Dr. Gay, at Harvard University, does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard’s code of conduct or rules regarding bullying and harassment? Yes or no?
Gay: Yes, it would violate our policies.
Stefanik: Thank you for your unequivocal answer. The other two presidents should take note.
Following the uproar caused by Ackman’s demand for the resignation of the university presidents, students and faculty members from these institutions have also expressed their sentiments. Many have criticized the leaders for their evasive responses and lack of clear condemnation of antisemitism, demanding a more robust stance against such abhorrent views.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the pressure from billionaire Bill Ackman and the public will result in the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill, and MIT President Sally Kornbluth. However, Ackman’s bold move has undoubtedly shed light on the importance of accountability and ethical leadership in academic institutions.
The incident also serves as a reminder that universities, as centers of knowledge and intellectual growth, have a responsibility to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect. It is crucial that university leaders not only condemn acts of hate and bigotry but also take concrete steps to create an atmosphere where all students feel safe and valued.
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