Universities challenged
CRITICISED FOR DEFENDING CAMPUS RALLIES AFTER HAMAS TERROR ATTACK
UNLIKE British academics accused of justifying the attacks by Hamas militants on civilians in cryptic online posts, there is no doubt here in the States, where some educators stand. Although supposedly centres for intellectual growth and critical thinking, universities have increasingly found themselves – by choice, it seems – embroiled in the incendiary fallout since Hamas stormed the Gaza border. Harvard came under fire following a pro-Palestine rally on the university’s campus, and the signing of a letter by
31 of its student groups holding the
Israeli regime “entirely responsible for all unfolding violence”.
“Our university embraces a commitment to free expression,” declared Harvard president Claudine Gay. “That commitment extends even to views that many of us find objectionable, even outrageous. We do not punish or sanction people for expressing such views, but that is a far cry from endorsing them.”
She later added: “People have asked me where we stand so let me be clear, our university rejects terrorism. That includes the barbaric atrocities perpetrated by Hamas.”
Once celebrated for its dedication to free speech, Harvard University has been ranked “worst university in America for free speech” out of all 154 colleges, according to The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Corporate America has become so alarmed that some company CEOs have said they would refuse to hire students who signed the Harvard letter.
Several other prestigious universities have also found themselves attracting damaging criticism through the actions of their students and staff. Particularly alarming is the behaviour of some faculty members at Cornell. History professor Russell Rickford, known for his left-wing views, made shocking comments, calling the Hamas terror attacks in Israel “exhilarating” and “energising” at a pro-Palestine rally. Such actions by staff undermine the trust students and their often fee-paying parents place in these institutions to foster an inclusive and balanced campus environment.
University bosses have since responded to say “any members of our community who have made such statements do not speak for Cornell; in fact, they speak in direct opposition to all we stand for at Cornell”. Meanwhile, the University of Pennsylvania, which recently allowed Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, who has been accused of repeated antisemitism, to attend a pro-Palestinian literary conference, has been accused by university donors of offering a muted response to the Hamas atrocities. Universities, renowned as spaces for open dialogue, are facing a crisis of identity both here and in the UK.
Their fluctuating stances on free speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict raise questions about their commitment to core principles and responsibilities. While individuals within these institutions have the right to express their opinions, it should not come at the cost of stifling opposing voices or endorsing violence. The consequences of their actions are far-reaching, impacting students and the reputation of these institutions on the world stage for generations to come.
Universities are facing a crisis of identity both here and in the UK