Billionaire Ron Lauder threatens to withdraw UPenn funding due to Israel war and antisemitism concerns.
Billionaire Ronald Lauder to Withdraw Funding from University of Pennsylvania over Antisemitism Concerns
Billionaire Ronald Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics empire, has announced that he will no longer provide financial support to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) due to concerns regarding its response to antisemitism following the deadly Hamas terror attack against Israel. Lauder, a Republican megadonor and president of the World Jewish Congress, expressed his disappointment with UPenn’s lack of support for Israel and stated that he will re-evaluate his donations.
Standing Up Against Antisemitism
Speaking at a Heritage Foundation event on the U.S.-Israel relationship, Lauder passionately stated, “I’ve spent the last 40 years of my life fighting antisemitism all over the world. I never in my wildest imagination thought I would have to fight it at my own university, my alma mater, my family’s alma mater.” He emphasized the need for consequences for institutions that fail to take a stand against antisemitism, highlighting the support he has received from other donors, including non-Jewish philanthropist Jon Huntsman.
Jon Huntsman, a former Republican governor and U.S. ambassador, also pledged to halt his contributions to UPenn, citing the university’s silence in the face of “reprehensible and historic Hamas evil against the people of Israel.” Huntsman, who previously donated $50 million to UPenn, joined Lauder in expressing his disappointment.
Scrutiny and Withdrawal of Funding
UPenn faced significant scrutiny from donors following the October 7 attacks, particularly due to its president, Liz Magill, releasing a statement that did not initially label Hamas as a terrorist organization. As a result, several prominent figures, including computer scientist David Magerman, venture capitalist Jonathon Jacobson, and hedge fund manager Clifford Asness, announced their decisions to withdraw funding.
Expressing his concerns further, Lauder criticized UPenn’s decision to host the ”Palestine Writes Literature Festival,” which featured a writer who has made derogatory remarks about Israel. Lauder’s dissatisfaction with the university’s actions reflects his commitment to standing up for Israel and combating antisemitism.
A Call to Action
In his speech, Lauder urged individuals to join him in supporting Israel and fighting against what he referred to as “left-wing McCarthyism” in universities. He emphasized the importance of challenging the prevailing narratives that demonize America and Israel, and advocated for a new syllabus to counteract the perceived brainwashing of young people.
Despite Lauder’s decision to withdraw funding, the University of Pennsylvania declined to comment on the matter when approached by the Washington Examiner, instead referring to its existing statements and articles on Israel.
Concluding his speech, Lauder acknowledged the ongoing fight against antisemitism and the need for increased efforts. He expressed optimism, stating, “We are not outnumbered. The radical Left does not have more people behind it. They are just louder.” He also highlighted the importance of recognizing the support and values of hardworking, generous, and good-hearted individuals across the country.
Source: The Washington Examiner
How has the withdrawal of funding from Lauder and Huntsman impacted UPenn’s academic programs and initiatives?
Thdrawal
The decision by Lauder to withdraw funding from UPenn comes after scrutiny of the university’s response to antisemitism. Many have criticized UPenn for its perceived lack of action in denouncing the rise of antisemitic incidents on campus and failing to support Israel during the recent conflict with Hamas. During the Hamas terror attack in May, which saw thousands of rockets fired at Israeli cities, many universities across the United States issued statements condemning the violence and expressing solidarity with Israel. However, UPenn remained noticeably silent, prompting criticism from students, alumni, and prominent donors like Lauder and Huntsman. Concerns over antisemitism on campus have also been raised, with reports of incidents targeting Jewish students and a hostile environment that goes unaddressed. The lack of a robust response by UPenn to combat these incidents led to further disappointment among donors and raised questions about the university’s commitment to combatting antisemitism. The withdrawal of financial support from Lauder and Huntsman will undoubtedly have a significant impact on UPenn. Both donors have been instrumental in supporting various academic programs and initiatives at the university. Lauder’s contributions have benefited the Ronald S. Lauder Institute of Management and the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, among others, while Huntsman’s donations have gone towards scholarships and the construction of several new buildings. The loss of these substantial donations will not only hinder the university’s ability to fund important programs but may also have broader implications. It sends a message to other potential donors considering philanthropic contributions to UPenn, potentially discouraging further support. This may have far-reaching consequences for the university’s financial future and its ability to attract top talent and provide a well-rounded education. In response to the withdrawal of funding, UPenn released a statement expressing its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and combating antisemitism. The university recognized the concerns raised by Lauder and Huntsman and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and engagement to address these issues. UPenn stated that it has taken steps to promote a safe and inclusive campus environment, including establishing a Faculty Advisory Board on Diversity and Inclusion and launching a new initiative to address antisemitism. The university also highlighted its ongoing partnerships with Jewish organizations and its support for academic programs dedicated to Jewish culture and history. The withdrawal of funding by Lauder and Huntsman highlights the growing concern over antisemitism on college campuses and the expectations placed on universities to take a firm stand against such hatred. It raises questions about the responsibility of educational institutions to foster an environment that is inclusive, tolerant, and free from discrimination. Furthermore, this incident underscores the influence that donors wield in shaping the priorities and values of universities. As donors increasingly scrutinize the actions and responses of institutions, they hold the power to influence policy and decision-making. The case of UPenn serves as a reminder that universities must not only address concerns over antisemitism but also work to safeguard the trust and support of their donor base. Failing to do so can have significant consequences not only for financial stability but also for the reputation and long-term success of an institution. The decision by billionaire Ronald Lauder to withdraw funding from UPenn due to concerns over antisemitism serves as a wake-up call for the university and provides an opportunity for reflection and improvement. It highlights the need for educational institutions to prioritize the fight against antisemitism and create inclusive environments that promote diversity and tolerance. Moreover, this incident emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with donors and demonstrating a firm commitment to the values and causes they hold dear. The impact of the withdrawal of significant funding from Lauder and Huntsman should not be underestimated, as it not only affects the immediate financial stability of UPenn but also the university’s reputation and ability to attract future support. Ultimately, the case of UPenn underscores the ongoing battle against antisemitism and the role that universities, donors, and the broader community play in combatting this alarming trend. It serves as a reminder that the fight against hatred and discrimination requires collective effort and a steadfast commitment to upholding the values of inclusivity, understanding, and respect.Impact on UPenn
Response from UPenn
Broader Implications
Conclusion
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