Iran’s Attack on Israel
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The Harvard President’s resignation gives Harvard the opportunity to transform itself into the academic institution where a true culture of free speech and protection from mob rule can be achieved.
“If Harvard is the canary in the coal mine for what is deemed acceptable behavior towards Jews in universities, then I can assure you there is danger ahead.”
I wrote those words in an op-ed in October…of 2022.
Since then, Harvard students have routinely disrupted classrooms calling for the freeing of Palestine “from the river to the sea,” yelled for the “globalization of the Intifada” at Jewish students trying to attend class, routinely torn down posters bringing attention to Jewish children kidnapped by Hamas terrorists, have been physically accosted and spat on, and perhaps most infamously, our President refused to answer whether the calls for Jewish genocide violated official policy, offering instead to contextualize the problem.
Presently, I sit in classrooms alongside students who have praised Hamas’s actions on social media, learn from Professors and guest lecturers who deny the use of rape, against Jewish people on October 7th, and even see students call for the murder of prominent Jewish activists.
Thankfully, as of this week, the road to recovery has been paved.
With the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay, Harvard has the opportunity to transform itself into the academic institution it initially sought out for itself, one where a true culture of free speech and protection from mob rule can be achieved.
Under her leadership, Gay had fostered an environment whereby Harvard became dominated not by the smartest voices, but by the loudest voices. Intimidation and bullying tactics, such as surrounding and occupying university buildings, have become routine. Failure to address individuals by their preferred gender pronoun can, and has, garnered disciplinary actions. 96% of the faculty identify as “somewhat” or “very” liberal. The campaign against beloved Professors who questioned illiberal racial ideologies, such as Ronald Fryer and Ronald Sullivan, was exacerbated by Gay’s tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Yet, perhaps most fundamentally, as Brett Stephens wonders: “How did someone with a scholarly record as thin as hers — she has not written a single book, has published only 11 journal articles in the past 26 years, and made no seminal contributions to her field — reach the pinnacle of American academia?”
To answer this question, look no further than my classmates and their reactions concerning Gay's resignation. Some have already insisted that her replacement not meet an intellectual or academic criteria, but instead “be a black woman.” Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is an insidious ideology, one whereby all peoples must be categorized as either oppressed or oppressor, and it has become a hallmark of the Harvard educational process and Gay’s ideology which has led to the explosion of antisemitism on campus. I just received an email from a Harvard professor telling me that he is not allowing his kids to wear a Star of David on campus. Jews do not feel safe.
The lack of personal responsibility from someone who just last week led one of the most important American institutions is stunning.
Perhaps most frustratingly, Gay used her forced resignation not as an opportunity to apologize and bring about much-needed change concerning the accepted behavior towards Jewish students, but doubled-down. Gay blamed outside “demagogues” and “racial animus” instead and completely ignored the accusations of plagiarism in her work. While I certainly condemn disgusting racist attacks, her inability to recognize it was her exacerbation of antisemitism on campus and the plethora of allegations of plagiarism in her academic writing that led to her ouster, was deeply disappointing. It is no surprise, therefore, that antisemitism on virtual Harvard group chats has exploded since her departure. The lack of personal responsibility from someone who just last week led one of the most important American institutions is stunning.
Ultimately, as a Jewish person, I hope this difficult time not only for Harvard, but for our country, can be an opportunity for growth. One in which society stands firm in its commitment to stamp out the oldest form of hate in the world. For if we fail to meet this moment, I fear its next iteration is only a matter of time.
Ms.Gay had only 3 qualifications for the exalted post she occupied:
1)She's a woman.
2)She's black.
3)She's a lesbian.
If so, she's overqualified even according to the sadly ridiculous "standards" of today!
While there's no argument that discrimination of any sort should not be tolerated, trying to right that wrong by eliminating any qualifying criteria for a position (or simply faking credentials) is as sound a policy as letting a young child drive a bus just because she's a member of EOM (Equal Opportunity for Minors)!
Ha, well said!
This is a joke. Gay was removed only in name, she is still on their $900.000 annual salary.
As for the Jewish students there, they are getting what they deserve. Because they should have - and still should, withhold their tuitions and quit. Then this institution of antisemitic venom will get the message loud and clear. But as long as the Jewish students don’t take such drastic action, Harvard and all the others like Harvard are basically laughing at them.
Like the Rabbi on chanukah who made this whole fiery speech about how awful it was for madam gay to have responded as she did etc. And in the next breath honors that lowlife with lighting the menorah.
All she can say for herself is to use good old imposter Obama yimach Shimo’s lame racial excuse for all her failures,
Completely agree with your last comment, but your point about Jewish students withholding their tuition and/or exiting the "hallowed halls" of Harvard en masse overlooks the fact that this would be rather meaningless when considering the multi-megabucks contributed by so many oil-rich Arabs.
You've also overlooked that the rabbi's public criticism was a courageous stand that isn't completely canceled by his PC gesture because at that point the ex-pres. was still representing the university, so it was simply polite to acknowledge that the menorah was being lit on their grounds; he was in no way honoring her personally by having her light it. (Besides, wasn't it the shamash that she lit?)
RE: Students quitting Harvard and transferring to other schools. I disagree with that idea b/c that would mean Claudine Gay and her ilk have gotten their way. Also, if I were studying with a very good professor and/or had an opportunity to gain an internship, I would not want to leave. The answer, imo is for donors to stop contributing. Also, Gay needs to be kicked out of Harvard ENTIRELY! She is still teaching there, which means she is still spreading the anti Semitic venom everywhere!
I’m a left wing American modern Orthodox Jew. There are definitely anti-semites on the far left, but they also exist on the far right. I find it possible to condemn unprovoked attacks on Muslims in the US as well as anti-Semitic attacks and the terrorist war started from Gaza on 10/7.
Attacking your fellow American Jews who are dedicated to left policies such as support for Social Security, infrastructure, etc is foolish. Shalom.
Does anyone care to compare the campus atmosphere of Jew hatred in the USA now vs. interwar Poland? Bueller? Anybody?
There seems to be no mention of the very substantial "severance package" No real punishment here!
Well argued. I applaud you. And I don’t agree with one of the comments below. A university president needs to be both an academic of fine repute and an able administrator capable of actually leading the institution. In South Africa we would say Claudine Gay was an affirmative action appointment, one which was not based on recognised excellence in her field. Not only are all the cited plagiarisms loathsome but her performance at the Congressional Hearing was nothing short of shameful.
How do you know a person went to Harvard? Because they will tell you!
I'm not advertising that about myself now. I used to, for the last 40 years. And people would nod their head approvingly. But not any more! Tell them that now and they wince, as if saying, 'how unfortunate you.' The Fellows of Harvard Corp, Ms. Penny Pritzger, Senior Fellow...have allowed, even led...our pedigree to be disgraced. She and the other 'Fellows' should also resign. There should be term limits for 'Fellows,' and a third of each class of 'Fellows' should be rotated each year. Please return the Harvard community to Education, Free speech and civil discourse, and Research.
M. C. Shapiro
HBS, MBA 1966
Great and courageous piece!
You're overstating the case. DEI is needed in our country to address our sad history of racial bias. We Jews should not be attacking it but rather using our tradition and values to make sure it stays true to its ideals and is not corrupted by the Hamas synchophants. As to Gay's academic resume, a college president needs to be an administrator not a publisher of many books.
Well, even there she failed miserably!
Of course, by "she" I was referring to Harvard's ex-madam president!
Is it? Wouldn’t an emphasis on personal merit - regardless of such factors as race, gender, ethnicity but judged solely on the basis of quality of work and ethical conduct - be better?
It seems to me that emphasising the tangential aspects of a person at the expense of their personal merit only extends biases - racial and otherwise.
Actually,what is needed is merit.
2/ I have seen some black people on social media condemning Claudine for now painting black people in higher positions as not worthy of their positions. I agree. Claudine has done a terrible disservice to black people everywhere by insinuating that she was forced to resign not becuz she was seriously lacking in the requisite skills for the job but becuz she’s black. A real narcissist!
* What I saw in these 3 presidents was moral rot. Not one of them said she felt terrible about what was happening to Jewish students on campus. We must monitor Harvard’s next steps & call out every infraction. They must expel hate speakers! My vision is that Jewish students be happy on campus 🙏
1/ Kol HaKavod to you, Shabbos. Excellent article! I am a 61-year-old Jewish Canadian woman. Antisemitism has been rampant also on Canadian campuses for decades. I remember well having to run a gauntlet of pro Palestinian hooliganism to get to my classes in the early ‘80s, but it was very infrequent. I am horrified that Jewish students have to put up this daily harassment during a time of life which was for me wonderful. I watched the full Congressional hearing into Antisemitism on US campuses. Watching Claudine, Magill & Kornbluth was an eye opener! The inability of these 3 women presidents to detail their attempts to address rampant Jew hatred on their campuses was shocking! I am embarrassed for my gender as each one appeared to be grossly under qualified for the position they held.
Claudine Gay’s resignation is a good thing, but not a transformative thing. Her recent attempt to suggest it is all based on racism is comical. Her appointment, the product of DEI, is in fact racist!
Celebrating Gay’s resignation as a victory over the rot in higher education is foolish. Every college and university is dominated by administrators and professors who are extremely far left, antisemetic and opposed to free speech. They will stand strong to fight any attempt to open their campuses to moderate or conservative thought. Until there is a house cleaning at all institutions of higher learning, nothing -- absolutely nothing -- will change.
Importantly, Claudine Gay remains on the Harvard faculty with a salary of of more than $900,000/year. So, did anything really change?
And here is the thing: There is absolutely nothing new under the sun! Anti Semitism on college campuses has always been around. It was dressed up differently. Also, Claudine Gay should be completely kicked out of Harvard. Period.
Have heard the expression "Harvard Clown School" going around. A definite attack on Harvard's Ivy League credentials. My cousin with a major organ transplant business in the US, and another with a PhD in economics who helps the Fed set their monthly rates. Both Harvard graduates. The damage Dr Gay and her ilk have done to the Harvard brand name is inestimable. If Harvard does not do serious repair work to their reputation they can expect the best and the brightest will go elsewhere. Not only the Board of Governors, but anyone who has a Harvard degree, should be working overtime to put this train back on the rails.
Brilliant article! No one should be a dean of a university in this country "just because they are black" or any ethnicity if they are not qualified to hold that office. Harvard and many universities across this country have an infamous history of antisemitism -- which happens to be more intense than any Islamophobia has been in this country. Jews have been the first minority group to always stand with other ethnicities against any bigotry and racism in this country. It is time anti-semitism be dealt with and fought back against.
Chances are she will be replaced with someone more outspoken FOR antisemitism. The backers of the University are big Arab countries, the professors are mostly antisemitic, and the loud, bullying students won't let voices of reason and morality be heard. Good luck to the students of Harvard and the other universities who are dealing with the same problems. Good luck to the students who will have anti-Jewish slogans blasted at them for 4 years. The Pro-Palestinians on campus are doing a great job just like the hitler youth in German. Repeat until everyone believes that the lies are truth.
Gay, unfortunately, was a byproduct of the culture. The board has to be forced out and code of conduct has to enforced to the point where bad actors are bounced. Then again, this is Harvard, which took ridiculous amounts of dough from the Arabs and built a Mid-east studies program which literally institutionalizes antisemitism. However my gut Shabbos, you are there and you care which is more than I can say for myself.
Not new. As early as 2017 Jews in Boston were saying that they were no sending their kids to Harvard because of antisemitism.
Unbelievable, off all people she as a Black/black woman/Woman should know what racism is? Terryfying to see that an AfriAme woman is an anti semite pur sang, while jews and Jewish leaders helped the reverent dr. Martin Luther King, lawyers JEWISH ones, not christian helped his people with allegations made up by courts and Public Pros. She is an affront to all people with her biased anti semitism, good riddance that she is gone with or without an excuse that would be an excuse that's not really mend.
The above comment puts the situation perfectly. Gays antisemitism would be disgusting from anyone but, from a person in her position it is outrageous. Who checked Gays work when she applied for the position from which she has been evicted? When I was at university our work was checked very carefully and any hint of plagiarism would see the person who presented such work appearing before a Board of Professors to state clearly why they should not be sent down.