University Presidents Face Backlash Over Antisemitism Comments at Congressional Hearing

The presidents of Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania are responding to criticism following their testimonies on campus anti-Semitism at a congressional hearing. The presidents reiterated their commitment to free expression and diversity of viewpoints on campus, while also stating that action is being taken to support students facing threats and to hold violators of the code of conduct accountable. Some supporters of Israel and Palestine have called for resignations or legal action against the presidents. Harvard President Claudine Gay clarified that calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community are not condoned by the university, and Penn President Elizabeth Magill promised to review the university's code of conduct after declining to say whether advocating genocide was a violation.