Larry Summers, former Harvard President, disgusted by school’s neutral stance on anti-Jewish terrorism.
Former Harvard President “Sickened” by School’s Silence on Hamas Attacks
Former Harvard University president Larry Summers expressed his deep disappointment with the school’s leadership for remaining silent on Hamas’s recent mass terrorist attacks in Israel. A coalition of student groups released a statement suggesting that the Jewish state deserved to have its civilians slaughtered by terrorists, which left Summers feeling “sickened.”
Summers, who also served as secretary of the Treasury during the Clinton administration, revealed that this is the first time in his five decades of affiliation with Harvard that he has felt so disillusioned and alienated. He criticized the university’s leadership for their silence and the student groups‘ statement blaming Israel solely for the violence.
“The silence from Harvard’s leadership, so far, coupled with a vocal and widely reported student groups’ statement blaming Israel solely, has allowed Harvard to appear at best neutral towards acts of terror against the Jewish state of Israel,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Instead, Harvard is being defined by the morally unconscionable statement apparently coming from two dozen student groups blaming all the violence on Israel,” he added. ”I am sickened. I cannot fathom the Administration’s failure to disassociate the University and condemn this statement.”
Summers’s comments come after more than 30 Harvard student groups signed an open letter labeling Israel as an ”apartheid regime” and holding it entirely responsible for the ongoing violence. The dean of Harvard’s Graduate School of Education also attributed the outbreak of war in Israel to both “Hamas and the Israeli government” in an email to students.
Over the weekend, Hamas carried out the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, resulting in the deaths of at least 800 Israelis and the kidnapping of over 100.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Harvard’s leadership, including its new president, Claudine Gay, have yet to comment. Summers pointed out the unusual silence from the administration, contrasting it with the strong statements made by former president Lawrence Bacow in support of Ukraine and Dean Gay on police violence.
“[W]e have as yet—48 hours later—no official Harvard statement at this time of moral testing,” said Summers.
Harvard did not respond to a request for comment.
What actions has Larry Summers called on the Harvard University’s leadership to take regarding the issue of Hamas’s attacks and student support for violence
Linton administration, is no stranger to controversial issues. However, the recent silence from his alma mater on such a critical matter has left him profoundly disturbed. Speaking out against the silence, Summers called for the university to take a stronger stance against terrorism and stand up for the values it claims to uphold.
In recent weeks, Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization, launched a barrage of rockets targeting Israeli civilians. These attacks have resulted in countless casualties and destruction in Israel. Despite this, Harvard University, known for its commitment to tolerance and inclusivity, has failed to address the issue adequately.
The statement released by the student groups, suggesting that Israel deserved these attacks, shocked not only Summers but also many others who expect the university to uphold the principles of intellectual integrity and unbiased discourse. It is disheartening to witness an esteemed institution like Harvard fall silent in the face of such blatant support for violence and terrorism.
Universities serve as platforms for learning, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth. They should foster an environment where free speech and diverse viewpoints are encouraged. However, there is a fine line between free speech and hate speech, and it is the responsibility of an institution to discern between the two.
Summers, who served as president of Harvard from 2001 to 2006, understands the importance of upholding these values. During his tenure, he faced controversy in various forms, including debates concerning diversity and gender equality. However, he consistently emphasized the importance of open dialogue and intellectual rigor.
For Harvard to ignore the gravity of Hamas’s attacks and the subsequent support from student groups is troubling. A university that prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive community should not turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent civilians. By staying silent on this matter, Harvard is effectively condoning and normalizing violence against the Jewish state.
In response to the silence, Summers has called on the university’s leadership to address the issue directly. He urges them to condemn Hamas’s terrorist attacks, reaffirm the university’s commitment to its values, and initiate open discussions on the matter. The former president believes that universities have a responsibility to act as moral compasses, guiding societal values and promoting peace.
The ramifications of remaining silent on this issue are far-reaching. By failing to acknowledge and condemn acts of terrorism, Harvard risks undermining its credibility and compromising its commitment to truth and justice. Furthermore, it sends a detrimental message to its students and the wider community that violence can go unchecked and that supporting terrorism is acceptable.
Larry Summers’s criticism of Harvard’s silence on Hamas’s attacks is not an attack on free speech or academic freedom. Instead, it is a call to uphold the university’s stated principles and foster an environment characterized by intellectual honesty and moral courage. Universities must be bastions of knowledge and voices of reason, even in the face of controversy and conflict.
As an influential figure and former leader of Harvard University, Summers’s stance on this issue holds weight. It is hoped that his words will resonate with the current leadership, leading to a much-needed reevaluation of their stance on this crucial matter. By taking a stronger stance against terrorism and speaking out against the support for violence, Harvard can reclaim its position as a champion of intellectual integrity and a beacon of hope in the academic world.
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