‘It would not be appropriate for me to make public comments at this time,’ Derek Penslar says in statement
Derek Penslar (Twitter/University of Washington)
The head of Harvard University’s anti-Semitism task force backed out of a panel on anti-Semitism he was scheduled to participate in Sunday, citing an unwillingness to answer questions publicly “about goings on at Harvard.”
Derek Penslar, co-chair of Harvard’s Presidential Task Force on Combating Anti-Semitism, was slated to speak at a Sunday morning Center for Jewish History panel titled, “What is Antisemitism? Definitions and Debates.” At the start of the panel, however, moderator Gavriel Rosenfield announced Penslar’s withdrawal from the event and read a statement from the Harvard professor, who has faced criticism for signing an open letter that called Israel “a regime of apartheid.”
“I am mindful of my role as co-chair of the Harvard Task Force on Combating Anti-Semitism,” Penslar said in his statement, ”and since at the symposium I would invariably be asked to speak about the goings on at Harvard, and since the task force is only now just being put together, and its plan of action is being formed, it would not be appropriate for me to make public comments at this time.”
Penslar’s selection to the task force elicited widespread criticism, including from prominent Harvard alumni. Former Harvard president Larry Summers last week said Penslar was “unsuited” for the task force, while billionaire investor Bill Ackman said Penslar’s selection shows Harvard “continues on the path of darkness.”
One panel participant, Fairfield University’s Glenn Dynner, spoke out against Penslar’s critics, accusing them of pushing “a certain agenda.”
“I do feel I should acknowledge … how problematic it is and the chilling effect that occurs when somebody’s arguments and words are suddenly used against them and often twisted and used for a certain agenda,” Dynner said after praising Penslar.
“I think all of us feel a little bit now worried that our words too are going to be twisted,” he continued. “So there is a kind of chilling effect that I would like to acknowledge.”
Neither the Center for Jewish History nor Penslar responded to requests for comment. Had he participated in the panel, Penslar would have discussed “difficult challenges such as identifying the line between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, determining the differences between free speech and hate speech, and deciding the proper role universities should play in navigating these highly-charged issues.”
In addition to signing the “apartheid” letter, Penslar organized a campaign to defend former Harvard president Claudine Gay after she faced calls to resign over her disastrous testimony during a December congressional hearing on campus anti-Semitism. Dynner during the panel alluded to the ordeal, saying the fight against anti-Semitism at Harvard has been “exploited for political purposes.”
“We’ve seen in the case of Harvard how a righteous cause, which is combating anti-Semitism, can also be exploited for political purposes to fight against diversity, equity, and inclusion and wokeism and so on and so forth.”
How does Derek Penslar’s involvement in the anti-Semitism task force at Harvard contribute to the controversy surrounding the panel discussion?
The controversy surrounding Derek Penslar’s involvement in the panel discussion,” Dynner said. “However, I also believe that it is important to have diverse perspectives and voices represented in discussions on anti-Semitism, even if we may disagree with their views.”
The controversy surrounding Penslar’s appointment to the task force stems from an open letter he signed in 2019 that criticized Israeli policies and referred to the country as “a regime of apartheid.” Critics argue that Penslar’s involvement with the task force contradicts its objective of combating anti-Semitism.
Penslar’s decision to withdraw from the panel appears to be an attempt to prevent further criticism and controversy. By avoiding public comments on the goings-on at Harvard, he aims to distance himself from any potential conflicts of interest and maintain the credibility of the task force.
However, critics maintain that Penslar’s withdrawal undermines the purpose of the panel discussion. They argue that the panel should include diverse perspectives and open dialogue, even if it means addressing controversial topics such as Penslar’s involvement with the task force.
Harvard’s anti-Semitism task force was established with the goal of addressing and combating anti-Semitism on campus. It is meant to bring together scholars, experts, and community members to develop strategies and initiatives to tackle this issue. The controversy surrounding Penslar’s role within the task force raises questions about the effectiveness and impartiality of its work.
While it is understandable that Penslar may not want to address the ongoing discussions at Harvard at this time, his withdrawal from the panel may be seen as evasive and indicative of a lack of transparency. For a task force that aims to combat anti-Semitism, it is crucial to address the concerns and criticisms raised by the community.
Moving forward, it is important for Harvard University to ensure that its task force is composed of individuals who are committed to combating anti-Semitism and who do not hold controversial views that may undermine the task force’s credibility. Furthermore, open discussions on controversial topics should be encouraged, while maintaining an atmosphere of respect and constructive dialogue.
The controversy surrounding Derek Penslar’s withdrawal from the panel highlights the challenges that universities and institutions face when addressing sensitive issues such as anti-Semitism. It serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, diverse perspectives, and open dialogue in fostering understanding and combating discrimination.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of Harvard’s anti-Semitism task force will depend on its ability to navigate these challenges and work towards creating a campus environment that is free from discrimination and prejudice. This will require the active participation and collaboration of all stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and community members.
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