Former U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman stops Penn’s funding due to its inadequate response to Hamas attacks.
Former Presidential Candidate and Ambassador Halts Funding to University
In a shocking turn of events, Jon Huntsman Jr., former Republican presidential candidate, Utah governor, and U.S. Ambassador to Russia, has announced that the Huntsman Foundation will cease its funding to the University of Pennsylvania. The foundation, which has generously donated millions of dollars to the university for decades, has taken this drastic step due to the university’s failure to condemn the evil acts committed by Hamas.
Huntsman, a proud Penn graduate from the class of 1987, served on the university’s Board of Trustees and has a deep connection to the institution. His father, Jon Huntsman Sr., also a Penn graduate, made significant contributions to the university, including funding the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business. However, the family’s longstanding support has come to an abrupt end.
Expressing his disappointment, Huntsman Jr. stated in an email to Penn President Liz Magill, “Moral relativism has fueled the university’s race to the bottom and sadly now has reached a point where remaining impartial is no longer an option.”
Huntsman further criticized the university’s silence in the face of Hamas’ reprehensible actions against the people of Israel. He wrote, “Silence is antisemitism, and antisemitism is hate, the very thing higher ed was built to obviate.” As a result, the Huntsman Foundation will no longer contribute to Penn, a decision that has deeply saddened three generations of graduates.
BREAKING: 1987 College graduate Jon Huntsman Jr. told Penn President Liz Magill on Saturday that his family will stop donating to Penn, stripping the University of a longtime donor amid backlash from influential trustees and alumni.https://t.co/MMnNvTStZE
— The Daily Pennsylvanian (@dailypenn) October 15, 2023
The university’s response to the situation has been met with criticism. While Penn President Liz Magill and Provost John L. Jackson expressed devastation over the assault on Israel, they failed to condemn the attack. This lack of condemnation has only fueled the backlash from influential trustees and alumni.
In fact, Penn Board of Trustees member Vahan Gureghian went as far as resigning, stating, ”Like so many elite academic institutions, the leadership of UPenn has failed us through an embrace of antisemitism, a failure to stand for justice, and complete negligence in the defense of its own students’ well-being.”
Finally, after a week of mounting pressure, University Board of Trustees Chair Scott Bok condemned the “atrocious terrorist attacks” carried out by Hamas. However, this condemnation came after unofficial meetings between former and current trustees and Magill.
In a subsequent statement, Magill addressed the criticism and condemned Hamas, emphasizing the university’s stance against antisemitism. The university’s response has undergone a significant shift, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to repair the damage caused by the loss of a prominent donor.
In what ways should universities prioritize values over neutrality and actively engage in the pursuit of truth and condemnation of evil, as emphasized by the Huntsman Foundation’s decision and Jon Huntsman Jr.’s call for an upgrade in the university’s approach
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This is not just about my alma mater. It’s the power and importance of how our universities influence the next generation. From really small small things to really big things, they matter. The university was built to make a difference in the world… It’s time for an upgrade.
— Jon Huntsman (@JonHuntsman) September 20, 2021
The Huntsman Foundation’s decision to halt funding to the University of Pennsylvania has sparked a widespread debate on the role and responsibility of universities in today’s socio-political climate. While universities have long been platforms for intellectual dialogue and academic freedom, Huntsman’s action highlights the need for institutions to take a stand on moral issues.
The controversy arose when the University of Pennsylvania failed to condemn the actions of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization responsible for countless acts of violence and terrorism against the people of Israel. Jon Huntsman Jr., a staunch supporter of the university and alma mater, found the silence of his beloved institution inexcusable. The foundation’s decision to withdraw funding serves as a wake-up call to universities across the country, urging them to reevaluate their approach to impartiality in the face of heinous acts.
Huntsman’s email to Penn President Liz Magill demonstrates his deep disappointment and personal connection to the university. As a Penn graduate and former member of the Board of Trustees, Huntsman has witnessed firsthand the positive impact universities can have on society. However, he believes that remaining impartial in the face of moral atrocities is no longer a viable option.
Huntsman’s statement that “silence is antisemitism, and antisemitism is hate” underscores the gravity of the situation. Universities have a responsibility to stand against hate and discrimination in all forms. By providing an environment that promotes free speech and intellectual exploration, universities have the potential to shape the minds and values of future generations. However, this influence also comes with the obligation to condemn acts that go against the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.
The Huntsman Foundation’s decision sends a clear message: universities must prioritize values over neutrality. In a world where moral relativism threatens to undermine the foundations of academia, it is crucial for institutions to take a principled stance against injustice and evil. As Jon Huntsman Jr. eloquently stated, “The university was built to make a difference in the world… It’s time for an upgrade.”
The Huntsman Foundation’s long-standing support for the University of Pennsylvania will be sorely missed. The foundation’s generous contributions have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the university’s programs and initiatives. However, it is essential for institutions to remember that financial support does not absolve them of their responsibility to uphold moral values.
In the wake of this controversy, universities must critically examine their role and purpose in society. They must ask themselves if they are truly fulfilling their mission of promoting knowledge, fostering understanding, and advocating for justice. Only by actively engaging in the pursuit of truth and the condemnation of evil can universities truly make a positive difference in the world.
The Huntsman Foundation’s decision serves as a call to action for institutions of higher education. It challenges them to reevaluate their commitment to impartiality and to prioritize their responsibility to speak out against injustice. As the debate surrounding this incident continues, it is crucial that universities across the country take a firm stance against hate, discrimination, and moral relativism. The future of academia and its impact on society depends on it.
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