Anti-Semitic Universities
I know a little bit about the kinds of speech that are generally welcomed on campus.
I’ve been banned from a few campuses, including DePaul University; I’ve spoken at more than a few campuses at which violence broke out over my speeches, including California State University at Los Angeles, Penn State, and University of California at Berkeley.
I also know that were I a student at any of these universities – and if I said, as a student, what I routinely say as a speaker – I’d undoubtedly be dragged before the administration and hit with sanctions. I’d be responsible for “microaggressions” by saying things like “Western culture is superior” and “men are not women.” I’d be responsible for “harmful language” for stating that human beings ought to be judged not based on race, but on merit.
But apparently, at the top universities in America, all of those sensitivities disappear for one group in specific: Jews.
Yesterday, House Republicans held a hearing at which the heads of major universities were grilled regarding the rise of anti-Semitism on their campuses. We’ve been talking about that spike in anti-Semitism for weeks, from threats of violence to near-riots, from tearing down hostage posters to openly Jew-hating slurs.
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Some of the students from these universities explained the situation on campus, like. Bella Ingber of New York University:
Jewish college students are telling Congress today about the unrestrained #antisemitism sweeping their campuses. I was particularly moved by Bella Ingber, a junior at @nyuniversity. Shame on NYU and other schools for their stunning failure to protect Jewish students. pic.twitter.com/obWCeQxqL0
— Trisha Posner (@trishaposner) December 5, 2023
Eyal Yakoby at the University of Pennsylvania described the calls for genocide of Jews and celebration of the Hamas massacre on October 7 as well as physical threats.
Eyal’s testimony is profound and shows how serious the problem of antisemitism on our colleges campuses is.
America’s elite colleges had an easy test the past two months: forcefully condemn antisemitism and speak out against vile hatred.
Many of them have failed miserably. https://t.co/9MG0dEX3IY
— Congressman Rudy Yakym (@RepRudyYakym) December 5, 2023
Now, imagine that black students had arrived in Congress to describe similar experiences: calls for genocide, celebration of terror attacks against black Americans, physical threats. Does anyone think the respective university presidents would have sat, grinning at the lawmakers quizzing them on their lack of action?
But that’s precisely what happened yesterday. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York questioned the presidents University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, and MIT about genocidal language chanted on campus. Listen to their responses.
🚨🚨🚨Presidents of @Harvard @MIT and @Penn REFUSE to say whether “calling for the genocide of Jews” is bullying and harassment according to their codes of conduct. Even going so far to say it needs to turn to “action” first. As in committing genocide.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND… pic.twitter.com/hUY3SgoOOi
— Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) December 5, 2023
Listen to that obfuscation. Listen to the spin.
It is difficult to imagine that these icons of sensitivity and diversity, equity and inclusion would be nearly so sanguine about slurs against any other racial or ethnic minority in America.
Simply put, they wouldn’t.
One can make the case for free speech on campus – I can and I do – but one cannot pretend that universities protect students against harassment and then soft-pedal Holocaust-level rhetoric.
These university presidents don’t like free speech at all. But they’re perfectly fine not only mouthing language they certainly don’t believe about free speech, but smiling while they do it.
So, why are they so sanguine?
There are two reasons.
The Left’s Hatred for Israel
The Left’s animosity towards Israel stems from two main reasons. Firstly, Israel’s success in the region, much like American Jews, is seen as a threat. According to the Left, Israel is viewed as a colonialist outpost of the West, which they consider evil due to its success, seen as exploitative and oppressive.
Secondly, the Left attempts to separate anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, as they don’t want to be openly perceived as anti-Semitic. Instead, they use anti-Zionism as a means to oppose Jewish and Western prosperity, disguising it as a universalistic humanitarian belief.
Despite the fact that this ideology would result in the death of millions of Jews and the rise of radical Muslim terrorism, the Left remains fixated on blaming Israel and the West for all the world’s problems.
Recently, Harvard President Claudine Gay acknowledged Israel’s right to exist, but not as a Jewish state. This is akin to saying that Ireland has a right to exist, but not as an Irish country.
What Needs to Be Done?
Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square and a major donor to Harvard, argues that college presidents should resign in disgrace due to their contribution to the rise of anti-Semitism. However, this alone is not enough.
It is crucial for major donors to reconsider funding these corrupt universities. Additionally, businesspeople should stop falling for the credentialing scam that universities represent and instead hire bright high school graduates directly or from reputable state schools.
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Furthermore, parents should seriously consider not sending their children to these universities, as they have become indoctrination mills for immoral ideologies.
For instance, many young liberal Jews, who were sent to university with hopes of achieving the American dream, have been turned against their own heritage and Israel due to leftist indoctrination.
It is evident that universities have become a breeding ground for moral depravity, and it is time to take action against this corrupt system.
How does the history of imperialism and oppression contribute to the belief of anti-Western sentiment and rejection of Western values?
History of imperialism and oppression. This belief is rooted in anti-Western sentiment and a rejection of Western values. Secondly, the Left aligns itself with various activist groups and causes, many of which are hostile towards Israel. They incorrectly view Israel as an oppressor and support the Palestinian cause, even if it means ignoring or downplaying the violence and anti-Semitism perpetuated by Palestinian groups.
As a result, many on the Left view any criticism of Israel or support for the Jewish state as a form of racism or imperialism. They label it as “hate speech” and seek to silence those who hold different views. This creates an environment on college campuses where speech is restricted and certain viewpoints are deemed acceptable while others are condemned.
Double Standards and Hypocrisy
The double standard when it comes to speech on campus is evident when comparing the treatment of pro-Israel voices with other marginalized groups. While universities claim to prioritize inclusivity and diversity, they seem to ignore or dismiss the concerns of Jewish students who face anti-Semitism on campus.
If any other minority group faced the same level of hatred and threats as Jewish students, there would be outrage and swift action. But when it comes to anti-Semitism, universities often turn a blind eye and fail to protect Jewish students. This not only shows a disregard for their well-being but also undermines the supposed commitment to inclusivity and diversity that these institutions claim to uphold.
The Impact on Jewish Students
The rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses has a detrimental impact on Jewish students. They may feel isolated, unsafe, and targeted for their religious and cultural identity. This can affect their mental health, academic performance, and overall college experience.
It is crucial for universities to take a firm stance against anti-Semitism and create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. This includes implementing strict policies against hate speech, providing resources for addressing and reporting incidents of anti-Semitism, and promoting education and dialogue to combat stereotypes and prejudice.
Conclusion
It is disheartening to see the double standards and hypocrisy when it comes to speech on college campuses. While certain viewpoints are promoted and protected, others are silenced and condemned. This not only undermines the principles of free speech and intellectual freedom but also perpetuates discrimination and marginalization.
Universities must prioritize the safety and well-being of all students, including Jewish students, by addressing and combating anti-Semitism on campus. It is only through open dialogue, education, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity that we can create a campus environment that truly welcomes all forms of speech and fosters intellectual growth and understanding.
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