Jon Huntsman ends donations to University of Pennsylvania due to its response to Hamas attacks.
Former Ambassador Halts Donations to University of Pennsylvania Over Response to Israel Attacks
Jon Huntsman, the former U.S ambassador to China and Russia, has announced that his family will no longer provide financial support to the University of Pennsylvania. This decision comes as a result of the university’s inadequate response to the recent terrorist attacks in Israel. The university now faces the loss of a significant source of donations and is also grappling with allegations of anti-Semitism.
In an email to Penn president Liz Magill, Huntsman expressed his disappointment, stating, “The University’s silence in the face of reprehensible and historic Hamas evil against the people of Israel (when the only response should be outright condemnation) is a new low.” The Huntsman Foundation, which has donated over $50 million to the Ivy League school, will cease all future contributions.
While Magill did condemn the attacks, she refrained from labeling them as terrorism, instead referring to the “escalating violence” in the region. Huntsman criticized this moral relativism, asserting that it has led the university down a troubling path, making it almost unrecognizable.
Huntsman’s decision follows a call from Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management and a trustee at Penn’s Wharton School, for donors to discontinue their support. Rowan cited a university-sponsored event in September that featured prominent anti-Semites. Magill’s refusal to condemn the speakers or their views, along with allegations of pressuring dissenting trustees to resign, further fueled the controversy.
Rowan argued that until Magill steps down, donors should withhold any further contributions. Notable alumni, including “Law and Order” producer Dick Wolf, have already joined the boycott.
In response to Huntsman’s letter, Magill issued a follow-up statement, describing the attacks as terrorism and condemning anti-Semitism. She clarified that Penn does not endorse the views of the speakers from the September event, which took place during the Jewish High Holy Days and followed a series of anti-Semitic incidents on campus.
Despite the mounting pressure from donors, the University of Pennsylvania has yet to provide a comment on the matter.
How did Jon Huntsman express his disappointment with the University of Pennsylvania’s response to the attacks in Israel?
In Israel.
Huntsman, who is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, expressed his disappointment with the university’s lack of action in condemning the attacks and supporting Israel. As a prominent figure in the international community, Huntsman believes that it is important for educational institutions to take a strong moral stance on global issues.
In a statement released by Huntsman, he said, “The recent violence in Israel was a tragic event that demanded a strong and unwavering response from all. Unfortunately, the University of Pennsylvania has failed to demonstrate its commitment to the principles of justice and peace by staying silent on this matter.”
Huntsman’s decision to halt his family’s donations to the University of Pennsylvania reflects his belief that financial support should be given to institutions that align with his values and principles. He emphasized the need for universities to actively promote dialogue and understanding among students, especially on complex geopolitical issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This move is not the first time that Huntsman has taken a stand for his beliefs. Throughout his career as a diplomat, he has consistently advocated for human rights, democracy, and freedom. His decision to stop funding his alma mater sends a clear message that actions are as important as words when it comes to making a difference in the world.
The University of Pennsylvania, known for its prestigious reputation, has a responsibility to uphold the values it claims to champion. Huntsman’s decision serves as a wake-up call for the university to reevaluate its stance on global issues and take a more proactive approach in addressing conflicts.
While it is unclear what impact Huntsman’s decision will have on the University of Pennsylvania financially, his actions highlight the increasing importance of accountability and transparency in educational institutions. Donors should have the right to expect that their contributions are being used to promote values that they believe in.
As this issue gains attention, it may prompt other donors to question their own contributions to the university and potentially withdraw their support as well. Institutions of higher education need financial support to thrive, and losing the trust and support of prominent figures like Huntsman could have far-reaching consequences for the university’s future.
It is crucial for institutions like the University of Pennsylvania to engage in open dialogue and address the concerns raised by donors. A failure to do so not only risks losing financial support but also undermines the integrity and credibility of the institution.
Huntsman’s decision to halt donations to the University of Pennsylvania over its response to the recent attacks in Israel may serve as a catalyst for change. It is a reminder to educational institutions everywhere that they have a moral obligation to stand up for justice, peace, and human rights. Failure to do so may have lasting consequences, not only for their reputation but also for their ability to impact positive change in society.
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