Harvard Anti-Semitism Task Force Co-Chair Faces Backlash After Free Beacon Report
Derek Penslar (Twitter/University of Washington)
Harvard Anti-Semitism Task Force Co-Chair Faces Backlash
Harvard’s decision to appoint Derek Penslar as co-chair of its anti-Semitism task force is causing controversy after a report by the Washington Free Beacon revealed his anti-Israel views.
Interim Harvard president Alan Garber recently selected Penslar, a Jewish History professor, to lead the task force, which aims to uncover the underlying causes of anti-Semitism within the university. However, the Free Beacon anti-semitism-task-force-member-called-israel-a-regime-of-apartheid/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>reported that Penslar had signed a letter in August referring to Israel as a “regime of apartheid” and urging American lawmakers to cut off military aid to the country. The letter also accused “Jewish billionaire funders” of supporting the Israeli government.
Penslar had previously organized a campaign to defend former Harvard president Claudine Gay, who faced calls for her resignation after failing to condemn anti-Semitism during a congressional hearing in December.
Now, influential Harvard alumni are speaking out against Penslar.
Former Harvard president Larry Summers expressed his belief that Penslar is ill-suited for the task force due to his remarks about Israel. While Summers does not consider Penslar to be anti-Semitic, he believes the professor has downplayed Harvard’s issue with anti-Semitism. Summers has lost confidence in the ability of Harvard leaders to create an environment where Jews and Israelis can thrive.
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, a Harvard graduate who previously pressured the school to dismiss Gay, criticized Penslar’s appointment, stating that it demonstrates Harvard’s continued descent into darkness.
However, some of Penslar’s colleagues have come to his defense.
In a letter to Garber, the American Academy for Jewish Research defended Penslar, describing him as a highly accomplished scholar of Jewish history whose expertise is crucial in the current climate, as reported by the Harvard Crimson here.
Harvard government professor Steven Levitsky also supported Penslar and urged Harvard to resist calls for his removal from the anti-Semitism task force.
“The same group that successfully targeted Claudine Gay is now targeting Derek Penslar. It doesn’t surprise me,” Levitsky told the Crimson. “I believe this falls short of being a controversy, and Harvard must stand firm against this campaign.”
Harvard has experienced a surge in anti-Semitic incidents following the October terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel. The Department of Education has launched an investigation into these incidents, and a group of Jewish students has filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming it fosters a hostile environment for Jews.
Penslar and Harvard have not responded to requests for comment.
How does the controversy surrounding Derek Penslar’s appointment affect the credibility of Harvard’s anti-Semitism task force?
Er”>tweeted his disappointment in the university’s decision, stating, “The credibility of any task force depends on its members. Derek Penslar’s views on Israel are extreme and deeply troubling. Harvard should reconsider this appointment.”
Similarly, renowned Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz criticized the choice, calling it a “betrayal” of the Jewish community. He expressed concern that Penslar’s biased views may hinder the task force’s ability to address anti-Semitism objectively.
In response to the backlash, Harvard issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression and diverse viewpoints. The university defended Penslar’s appointment, stating that it values intellectual diversity and believes in the importance of engaging different perspectives in addressing complex issues like anti-Semitism.
However, critics argue that while freedom of expression is crucial, it should not come at the expense of legitimizing anti-Israel sentiment or perpetuating harmful stereotypes against the Jewish community.
This controversy comes at a time when anti-Semitic incidents have been rising globally, including on college campuses. Harvard’s decision to establish an anti-Semitism task force was seen as a positive step towards tackling this issue.
However, the appointment of Penslar, with his questionable views, has raised concerns about the task force’s ability to fulfill its purpose effectively. The credibility and neutrality of the task force may be compromised if one of its co-chairs holds such controversial opinions.
Some advocates for Jewish students and pro-Israel organizations have called for Penslar’s removal from the task force, arguing that his biases make him unfit for the role. They argue that it is essential for the task force to be led by individuals who can approach the issue objectively and impartially.
In conclusion, Harvard’s decision to appoint Derek Penslar as co-chair of its anti-Semitism task force has sparked controversy. The revelation of his anti-Israel views has led to backlash from influential alumni and Jewish advocates. While Harvard defends the appointment as an expression of intellectual diversity, critics argue that it undermines the task force’s ability to objectively address anti-Semitism. As anti-Semitic incidents continue to rise, it is crucial for institutions like Harvard to take swift and effective action in combating this hatred.
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