Pro-Hamas student groups across various universities plan nationwide protests on October 7, marking the second anniversary of Hamas's attack, with some protests potentially turning destructive, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the response of university administrations to anti-Semitism.
Harvard University officials denounce an antisemitic cartoon posted by student groups, sparking immediate backlash. The cartoon, intended to draw parallels between the Black and Palestinian liberation movements, depicted a hand with the Jewish Star of David holding a noose around the necks of a Black and Arab figure. The university condemned the image, emphasizing the need for compassion and mutual respect in discourse. The student groups apologized for the offensive caricature, and tensions on campus have escalated, leading to the creation of advisory groups and a federal investigation into possible discrimination.
Harvard University condemns an antisemitic cartoon shared by student groups and a faculty group, depicting a hand labeled with a Star of David holding nooses around the necks of an Arab man and a Black man. The student groups and faculty group have since apologized and removed the image. The incident has sparked criticism and raised concerns about the safety and inclusion of Jewish students on campus. The university is seeking to identify those responsible for the posting and is facing a Republican-led congressional investigation into allegations of not doing enough to combat antisemitism on campus.
Harvard President Alan M. Garber and the Corporation condemned an antisemitic image posted by pro-Palestine student groups, leading to outrage from Harvard affiliates and an investigation by the University. The image, which depicted antisemitic tropes, was quickly removed by the groups, but drew widespread condemnation. The University announced a review of the situation and disciplinary action for those responsible, while facing scrutiny from Jewish groups and a congressional committee investigating antisemitism on campus. Garber emphasized the need to combat antisemitism with actions, not just words.
Columbia University has suspended two student groups, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, for the rest of the fall semester, citing repeated violations of school policies. The suspension comes after an unauthorized event involving "threatening rhetoric and intimidation." The groups will not be eligible to hold events on campus or receive university funding, and the suspension will be lifted only if they demonstrate a commitment to compliance with university policies and engage in consultations with university officials. Some students expressed concerns about stifling free speech and called for collaboration with the student groups.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in collaboration with the chancellor of the state's university system, is taking action against student groups that have expressed support for "Hamas terrorism." The governor aims to terminate the student chapters and suspend school administrators affiliated with these groups. The move comes after a student organization known as National Students for Justice in Palestine (National SJP) published a toolkit referring to Hamas operations as "the resistance." The chancellor's letter states that supporting terrorism is a felony under Florida law, and the student chapters must be deactivated. DeSantis, a 2024 presidential candidate, has been vocal in condemning the recent Hamas attack in Israel and plans to increase state sanctions on Iran, the main financial supporter of Hamas.
Davis Polk, a top U.S. law firm, has rescinded job offers to three law students from Harvard and Columbia universities who signed organizational statements about Israel. The firm stated that the statements were contrary to its values and that it aimed to provide a safe and inclusive work environment. This move comes in response to open letters from university groups regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, which have caused controversy among donors, employers, alumni, and students. Other CEOs, business leaders, and a federal judge have also cut ties with Harvard and expressed their refusal to hire or work with the signers of the statements.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has sparked disputes on Massachusetts college campuses, with administrations expressing support for Israel while student groups release statements in support of both Israel and Palestinians. The Harvard College Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) faced backlash for their statement in support of Palestinians, which was seen by many as supportive of Hamas. Several other student groups initially supported the statement but later withdrew their support due to miscommunication. A conservative activism group, Accuracy in Media, drove trucks through Harvard Square with LED screens displaying the names and photos of students who signed the PSC's statement, labeling them as "Harvard's leading anti-Semites." Similar conflicts have occurred at Tufts University and Boston University, leading to tensions between individuals on both sides.
Several CEOs, including billionaire hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman, are demanding that Harvard University release the names of students whose organizations signed a letter blaming Israel for the attacks by Hamas. The CEOs want the students blacklisted, but some of the students have since distanced themselves from the letter. Harvard President Claudine Gay stated that no student group speaks for the university or its leadership. The controversy has sparked a debate about free speech, accountability, and the potential consequences of naming the students.
Multiple Harvard student groups have withdrawn their signatures from a controversial statement blaming Israel for the ongoing violence, following severe condemnation and doxxing attacks. The statement, originally penned by the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee, did not explicitly condemn violence against Israeli civilians. Some groups cited miscommunication and a lack of due diligence in sharing the statement, while others expressed regret for the insensitivity of the statement. Concerns over student safety have emerged as personal information of students linked to endorsing clubs was doxxed. A planned vigil was postponed due to safety concerns, and Harvard has alerted authorities. Some individuals called for the public naming and professional consequences of students involved in the statement. Harvard University President Claudine Gay distanced the university from the statement, emphasizing that no student group speaks for the university or its leadership.
Harvard President Claudine Gay has condemned the Hamas attack on Israel and distanced the university from student organizations that signed a statement blaming Israel for the ongoing violence. Gay's statement came after criticism of the university's initial response, which failed to denounce Hamas directly. Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers was among the critics, calling for reassurance that the university stands against Hamas terror. Gay concluded her statement by calling for mutual respect and understanding on campus.
A letter from Harvard University student groups blaming Israel for the violence in the region has sparked a backlash from prominent alumni and US lawmakers. The letter, co-signed by 33 student groups, accused the Israeli regime of being responsible for all unfolding violence and stated that Israeli violence has shaped every aspect of Palestinian existence for 75 years. Former Harvard president Larry Summers and several Republican US lawmakers criticized the letter, while Harvard University issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the attacks but not directly addressing the controversy. The letter was condemned by professors and the university's Jewish center, while the group that authored the letter claimed their social media account was temporarily suspended due to "censorship of pro-Palestine messaging."