What to Know
- University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill testified about her handling of antisemitism on campus amid the Israel-Hamas War.
- Magill was joined by MIT President Dr. Sally Kornbluth and Harvard University President Dr. Claudine Gay during the hearing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
- Penn is one of seven schools and universities under federal investigation over allegations of antisemitism or Islamophobia.
The president of the University of Pennsylvania testified at a hearing on Capitol Hill focused on antisemitism on college campuses across the country.
The Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Virginia Foxx (R-NC), held the hearing, “Holding Campus Leaders Accountable and Confronting Antisemitism” on Tuesday at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC.
Penn President Liz Magill, Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Dr. Sally Kornbluth and Harvard University President Dr. Claudine Gay all testified about their handling of antisemitism on campus amid the Israel-Hamas War.
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“Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen countless examples of antisemitic demonstrations on college campuses. Meanwhile, college administrators have largely stood by, allowing horrific rhetoric to fester and grow,” Chairwoman Foxx said. “College and university presidents have a responsibility to foster and uphold a safe learning environment for their students and staff. Now is not a time for indecision or milquetoast statements. By holding this hearing, we are shining the spotlight on these campus leaders and demanding they take the appropriate action to stand strong against antisemitism.”
During her opening remarks, Magill referenced a recent pro-Palestinian protest outside the Jewish-owned restaurant Goldie in Philadelphia.
“This hearing this morning takes place just two days after the Philadelphia community witnessed, in horror, the hateful words and actions of protesters who marched in the city and then near our campus,” Magill said. ‘These protesters directly targeted a Center City business that is Jewish and Israeli owned. A troubling and shameful act of antisemitism.”
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The investigation is part of the Biden administration’s effort to take “aggressive action” against discrimination. Schools found to have violated civil rights law can face penalties up to a total loss of federal money, although the vast majority of cases end in voluntary settlements.
Penn was accused of antisemitism in federal complaints filed in November by the Brandeis Center, a Jewish legal advocacy group.
In a Nov. 9 letter to the Education Department, the center said Penn professors have made antisemitic statements in the classroom and on social media. It also said many Jewish students are afraid to be on campus during pro-Palestinian rallies, and that the university has done little to support them.
Penn officials said they're cooperating with the investigation.
President Magill "has made clear antisemitism is vile and pernicious and has no place at Penn," the school said. "The university will continue to vigilantly combat antisemitism and all forms of hate."
During Tuesday’s hearing, Magill also said the school is committed to combating antisemitism.
“I have condemned antisemitism publicly, regularly and in the strongest possible terms. And today let me reiterate my and Penn’s unyielding commitment to combating it,” Magill said. “We immediately investigate any hateful act, cooperating with both law enforcement and the FBI where we have identified individuals who have committed these acts in violation of either policy or law.”
During the hearing, Magill was also questioned about the allegedly antisemitic comments made by members of Penn's faculty as well as an event earlier in the fall that featured speakers that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) raised concerns about.
“Would you permit your academic department to sponsor a conference if 25 speakers that the NAACP would identify as racist?” Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) asked Magill.
“Congressman, we follow our policies always and our policies are guided by the United States constitution and a commitment to academic freedom and free expression," Magill replied.
“So is that a yes or no answer?” Norcross asked.
“The answer is that we follow our policies," Magill replied.
Magill also responded to a video of a pro-Palestinian protest at Penn in which protesters were heard using the word "intifada."
Intifada is the Arabic word for “uprising” or “shaking off.” According to the American Jewish Committee (AJC), “Globalize the Intifada” has been used by some protesters to call for aggressive resistance against Israel and supporters of Israel.
“That video, just as a human being was very hard to watch," Magill said. "The chanting, I think, calling for intifada global revolution, very, very disturbing.”
“Would you agree that your, in this case, Jewish students, undoubtedly felt very uncomfortable following that?” Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.) asked.
“I’m sure that’s true," Magill said. "Yes.”
Towards the end of the hearing, Magill was questioned further by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). The tense exchange between the two went viral after Stefanik posted it on social media.
"Miss Magill, at Penn, does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penn’s rules or code of conduct? Yes or no?" Stefanik asked.
"If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment. Yes," Magill replied.
"I am asking, specifically calling for the genocide of Jews, does that constitute bullying or harassment?" Stefanik asked.
"If it is directed and severe and pervasive, it is harassment," Magill said.
"So the answer is 'yes,'" Stefanik replied.
"It is a context-dependent decision, congresswoman," Magill said.
"It’s a context-dependent decision, that’s your testimony today? Calling for the genocide of Jews is dependent on the context? That is not bullying or harassment? This is the easiest question to answer ‘yes,' Miss Magill. So is your testimony that you will not answer 'yes?'" Stefanik asked. "Yes or no?"
"If the speech becomes conduct, it can be harassment. Yes," Magill said.
"Conduct, meaning committing the act of genocide? The speech is not harassment? This is unacceptable Miss Magill," Stefanik said. "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?"
"It can be harassment," Magill replied.
"The answer is 'yes,'" Stefanik said.
On Wednesday, Gov. Shapiro -- while appearing at Goldie restaurant in Philly -- called Magill's exchange with Stefanik a "failure of leadership."
"She needed to give a one word answer and she failed to meet that test," the governor said.
He continued, saying the board of directors at the university now has a "serious decision" to make concerning whether Magill's comments represent the values of the Ivy League institution and the values of the board of the University of Pennsylvania.
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