The House Committee on Education & the Workforce has announced a formal investigation into Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) over allegations of "rampant antisemitism" on their campuses.
The decision to launch the investigation came after the presidents of all three institutions testified before the committee, with their responses being deemed shocking by some critics.
One of the main points of contention during the hearing was the line of questioning from Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who repeatedly asked whether "calling for the genocide of Jews" would violate each university's code of conduct. The presidents either evaded the question, failed to provide a direct answer, or claimed that it would depend on the context. The committee, considering this testimony to be "morally bankrupt," has now decided to investigate the universities.
Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the committee, stated that the investigation will focus on the learning environments at Harvard, UPenn, and MIT, as well as their policies and disciplinary procedures. The committee plans to request substantial documents from the universities and will not hesitate to use compulsory measures, such as subpoenas, if a full response is not provided promptly.
Rep. Foxx, R-N.C., expressed her disappointment with the testimony from the university presidents, calling it "absolutely unacceptable." Rep. Stefanik also criticized the presidents' responses, referring to them as "pathetic and morally bankrupt." She emphasized that the Education and Workforce Committee will use its full Congressional authority to hold these schools accountable for their perceived failure on the global stage.
During the hearing, MIT President Sally Kornbluth was asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate the university's codes of conduct regarding bullying and harassment. Kornbluth responded by stating that if the targeting was directed at individuals and not made as public statements, it might not violate the code of conduct. However, when Rep. Stefanik mentioned chants for intifada, which refers to periods of Palestinian resistance against Israel, Kornbluth acknowledged that such chants could be antisemitic depending on the context. She added that incidents of this nature would be investigated as harassment if they were found to be pervasive and severe.
Harvard President Claudine Gay was also asked about the same issue. Gay admitted that speech calling for intifada and, consequently, the genocide of Jews in Israel and globally, was "at odds with the values of Harvard." However, she deflected when pressed by Rep. Stefanik about whether such remarks violated Harvard University's code of conduct. Gay stated that Harvard embraces a commitment to free expression, even if the speech is objectionable, offensive, or hateful. She emphasized that it is when speech crosses into conduct that violates their policies against bullying that action is taken.
UPenn President Elizabeth Magill faced similar questioning and responded by stating that if speech calling for the genocide of Jews turned into conduct, it would be considered harassment. Rep. Stefanik pressed Magill for a clear answer, asking whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated UPenn's code of conduct regarding bullying and harassment. Magill responded that if the speech turned into conduct, it could be considered harassment.
The comments made by the university presidents during the hearing shocked the nation, prompting two of them to release additional statements to provide context and clarification. Harvard President Gay emphasized that calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group, are vile and have no place at Harvard. She assured that those who threaten Jewish students will be held accountable.
UPenn President Magill released a statement acknowledging that she had not adequately addressed the question during the hearing. She stated that her focus at the time was on the university's policies, which align with the U.S. Constitution and protect speech. However, she recognized that a call for the genocide of Jewish people is a call for terrible violence and described it as evil. Magill expressed her view that such a call would be considered harassment or intimidation and announced that UPenn would initiate a serious review of its policies.
Rep. Foxx expressed deep concerns about the leadership of these universities and their failure to provide Jewish students with a safe learning environment as required by law. She also highlighted that the targeting and harassment of Jewish students is not limited to these institutions and warned that other universities should expect investigations if they have similar failures.
The House Committee's investigation into Harvard, UPenn, and MIT aims to address the allegations of rampant antisemitism on their campuses. The committee plans to thoroughly examine the universities' policies and disciplinary procedures to ensure that they are providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. The investigation will involve requesting extensive documentation from the universities, and the committee is prepared to use compulsory measures, such as subpoenas, if necessary.
The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the universities involved and may serve as a precedent for other institutions facing similar allegations. The committee's commitment to holding these schools accountable reflects the importance of addressing antisemitism and ensuring the protection of all students on college campuses.
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