In the wake of recent tensions in the Middle East, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has found itself at the center of a controversy surrounding allegations of antisemitism. The prestigious institution has been criticized for its response to a Palestinian literary festival held on its campus, which featured speakers with views that many deemed antisemitic.
The controversy began with the Palestine Writes Literature Festival, which took place last month at UPenn. The event showcased Palestinian art and culture and included speakers such as Roger Waters, the former Pink Floyd frontman, and academic Marc Lamont Hill. Waters' comments on Israel have previously been labeled as antisemitic by the Anti-Defamation League, while Hill's contract with CNN was terminated after he made remarks that many interpreted as advocating for the destruction of Israel. Both Waters and Hill have denied these allegations.
The university's handling of the festival drew sharp criticism from several quarters, most notably from UPenn alumnus Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management. Rowan, in an op-ed, condemned the university for hosting the event and called on fellow donors to withhold funds from UPenn. He criticized UPenn's leadership for not taking a stronger stance against antisemitism, especially in light of the recent Hamas attacks on Israel.
Rowan's concerns were echoed by former US Ambassador Jon Huntsman, another prominent UPenn alumnus. Huntsman expressed his disappointment with the university's response to the festival and announced his decision to halt all future donations from the Huntsman Foundation to UPenn. In a letter to UPenn President Elizabeth Magill, Huntsman wrote, "The University's silence in the face of reprehensible and historic Hamas evil against the people of Israel is a new low. Silence is antisemitism, and antisemitism is hate."
Responding to the backlash, President Magill issued a statement admitting that the university could have been more proactive in its response to the festival. She emphasized that UPenn did not endorse the views of the speakers at the event. Magill also condemned the recent terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel, stating, "I, and this University, are horrified by and condemn Hamas's terrorist assault on Israel and their violent atrocities against civilians."
The controversy has highlighted the challenges that universities face in balancing the free exchange of ideas with the need to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students. As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, institutions like UPenn will likely grapple with these issues for the foreseeable future.
