Harvard’s Anti-Semitism Chairman Stays Silent
The Embattled Chairman of Harvard’s Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism
The embattled chairman of Harvard’s Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism, Derek Penslar, had no problem talking about anti-Semitism on the Harvard campus before he was tapped to chair the committee.
“It’s not a myth, but it’s been exaggerated,” Penslar, a professor of Jewish history, told the Boston Globe in an interview before his appointment. He said that while some Jewish students had been “shunned” from “progressive political communities” on campus, that did not amount to “vicious antisemitism.” Hey, no campus gas chambers yet!
So imagine our surprise when Penslar, who was slated to participate in a panel discussion on Sunday at the Center for Jewish History to address the subject, “What is Antisemitism? Definitions and Debates,” canceled his appearance at the last minute.
The panel moderator read an apologetic statement from Penslar to the effect that, “Since at the symposium I would invariably be asked to speak about the goings on at Harvard … it would not be appropriate for me to make public comments at this time.”
Huh? Penslar could of course have said as much in response to any Harvard-related question he felt was inappropriate to answer.
But one suspects that wasn’t the real reason he threw in the towel. Penslar has already spoken publicly about his new position with the Boston Globe, telling the paper that he views the task force as “an important opportunity to determine the nature and extent of antisemitism and more subtle forms of social exclusion that affect Jewish students at Harvard.” He also told the Harvard Crimson that he considered stepping down from the post given the criticism he has weathered, but that he remains “committed to helping advance the important work of this task force.”
Penslar provided pre-written statements to both outlets, and what seems a more likely explanation for his abrupt cancellation over the weekend is that he didn’t want to face the questions that would have come his way.
Will he press the university to discipline the graduate students who accosted an Israeli business school student? Does he still believe that concern over campus anti-Semitism is “exaggerated” and that Israel is a “regime of apartheid”?
Meanwhile, at Penn, the chairman of the University Task Force on Antisemitism, Mark Wolff, did not respond to a request for comment on a university lecturer’s series of grotesque anti-Semitic cartoons. What, exactly, are these task forces doing if not speaking out against anti-Semitism on campus?
If Penslar wants to win over his critics—and demonstrate that these task forces are anything more than window dressing—he and others might start by speaking publicly about the very issue they’ve been tapped to address.
How can Penslar address the concerns and pushback within the Harvard community to regain trust and credibility as the chairman of the task force?
An opportunity to address antisemitism on campus and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for Jewish students. So why would he suddenly back out of an event specifically focused on discussing antisemitism?
It seems that Penslar may be facing some challenges and pushback within the Harvard community. In an article published by the Boston Globe, several professors and students expressed concerns about Penslar’s leadership of the task force, questioning his ability to address the issue effectively.
Some critics argue that Penslar’s previous comments downplaying the severity of antisemitism on campus undermine his credibility as the chairman of the task force. They believe that by minimizing the issue, Penslar is sending a message that antisemitism is not a significant problem at Harvard, which can further marginalize Jewish students and prevent meaningful change.
Others raise concerns about Penslar’s approach to combating antisemitism. They argue that his focus on creating dialogue and understanding may not be enough to address the deep-rooted prejudices and biases that contribute to antisemitism. They suggest that a more proactive approach, such as implementing stricter policies and holding individuals accountable, is necessary to create real change.
Despite these criticisms, it is important to acknowledge that Penslar’s role as the chairman of the task force is not an easy one. Combating antisemitism is a complex issue that requires navigating various perspectives and finding common ground. It is inevitable that there will be disagreements and challenges along the way.
However, it is crucial for Penslar and the task force to address these concerns head-on and ensure that their efforts are inclusive, transparent, and effective. They must engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, including students, professors, and community members, and take their feedback and suggestions seriously.
In addition, Penslar should use this opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to combating antisemitism on campus and clarify his previous statements. He should acknowledge any mistakes or misunderstandings and emphasize that he recognizes the seriousness of the issue and is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Ultimately, the success of the task force’s initiatives and the effectiveness of Penslar’s leadership will be judged by their impact on the Harvard community. It is not enough to simply create committees and hold discussions; tangible actions must be taken to address and prevent antisemitism.
In the face of the challenges and criticisms, Penslar has an opportunity to prove his critics wrong and make a meaningful difference in addressing antisemitism at Harvard. It will require humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
Only time will tell how successful Penslar and the task force will be in combating antisemitism on campus. However, it is imperative that their efforts continue, and that the Harvard community comes together to confront this issue and create a more inclusive and tolerant environment for all.
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