UPenn and Harvard received $19.7M from Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the past two years

Harvard and UPenn Receive Millions in Donations from Middle Eastern Sources

Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania have received ​a staggering $19,772,237 in donations over the past⁢ two⁤ years, with contributions coming from entities in Qatar ⁢and Saudi Arabia, including ‍their respective governments. This information was⁤ revealed through data collected by the Department of ⁢Education.

Under federal law, educational‍ institutions that receive foreign donations totaling at least $250,000 are required to ‍disclose these transactions to the​ Department of Education.

UPenn President Faces Calls​ for Resignation

The President of UPenn, Liz‍ Magill, is currently facing mounting‌ pressure ‌to ‌step down from her position.

According to the self-reported data from ⁣each university, which was​ reviewed by the‌ Washington Examiner, Harvard and UPenn collectively received $13,442,954 from Saudi sources in 2022 and 2023, including donations from the Saudi government. Harvard received ⁢the majority of these funds,‍ amounting to $10,919,274 over the ⁤past ‌two years.‌ This includes a notable $2,208,928 donation from the Saudi government ⁤reported in June, which will continue ⁤to support the university throughout the year.

Meanwhile, ‍UPenn received $2,523,680 from Saudi sources,⁣ with only one donation coming directly from the Saudi government.⁣ This particular donation, totaling $1,247,323, was given to the school ​in ‍February 2022.

The Qatari government, on the other hand, donated a significant ⁣sum of $6,329,283 to Harvard over the​ past two years. This includes⁤ a recent donation of ‍$1,104,180 in ⁣May of this year. Additionally, Harvard received a​ donation of $379,119 in April. However, ‌UPenn did not receive any funding from Qatari sources.

The issue ⁣of ⁣foreign donations ​from Middle Eastern sources and their ‍potential influence⁣ on colleges ⁢and universities has garnered‌ renewed attention, particularly in light of the rise ‌in antisemitic incidents‍ on college ⁤campuses following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel on October 7.⁤ These attacks resulted ​in the loss of over 1,200 ⁣lives, with Hamas still holding several hostages.

Qatar, in ‌particular, has faced criticism during the⁢ Israel-Hamas‍ conflict⁤ due to its close relationship ⁤with Hamas terrorist leaders.

It remains unclear how exactly these colleges utilized the donations from Arab sources, as most universities do not disclose‌ specific details regarding the⁤ allocation of funds.

A report from the ‌Jewish Virtual Library in May 2023 analyzed⁤ 10,000 donations from Middle Eastern ‍sources to U.S. colleges and found that only⁢ three were explicitly labeled as political. For instance, Brown University received $643,000 from a ‍Palestinian source in 2020, which ‍was used to establish a professorship⁤ in Palestinian Studies, as reported by⁤ the Jewish Virtual Library.

The ⁣issue of campus​ antisemitism took ⁤center ‍stage ‍during a congressional hearing,⁤ where UPenn President ‌Liz ⁣Magill, Harvard President Claudine Gay, and⁢ Massachusetts Institute of ⁢Technology President Sally Kornbluth were invited to testify about the​ growing problem of‌ antisemitism on college campuses. When questioned by Rep. Elise ​Stefanik‌ (R-NY), all three presidents refused to state whether “calling for ⁢the genocide of Jews” constituted harassment that violated their ​schools’ codes ⁤of conduct.

In response to the hearing, the House Education and Workforce Committee announced ​an investigation into the campus ⁣environments and​ disciplinary ⁤policies of all three universities.

“The testimony we received earlier this week⁣ from Presidents Gay, Magill,⁤ and Kornbluth about the responses of ⁤Harvard, UPenn, ⁢and MIT to ⁢the rampant antisemitism displayed ‍on⁢ their campuses‌ by students and faculty was absolutely⁢ unacceptable,” stated Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) in an announcement⁤ regarding the investigation. “Committee members have deep concerns with their leadership and ⁢their failure to take steps to provide Jewish students the safe‌ learning ​environment they are due under law.”

The Washington Examiner reached out to Harvard⁤ and UPenn for comment but did not receive a response.

Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.

How ⁢are the Middle Eastern ​donations received by Harvard and UPenn being used and do they come with any conditions?

T these ⁢donations from Middle Eastern sources are being used by Harvard and UPenn, ‍and whether ‍they come with any strings attached. However, critics argue‌ that such⁢ donations can potentially compromise ​the academic ​integrity and independence of these institutions.

The concern over foreign donations to ‍American universities is not new. In recent years, there have been growing debates about the influence ⁤of foreign⁢ governments, particularly those with⁤ questionable human rights records, on educational institutions in the United⁤ States.⁣ Some argue ⁣that these donations could be used as a means‌ to exert influence or‌ promote certain ideological ⁤agendas.

While it is important to recognize the valuable contributions‌ that foreign⁢ donations⁢ can make to educational institutions, transparency ‍and accountability are crucial to ensure‌ that these funds are not being⁢ used to advance ulterior motives or compromise academic freedom.

The Department of Education’s⁣ requirement​ for disclosure of foreign donations ⁣is an important ⁣step towards transparency. ⁤However,‍ critics argue that the $250,000 threshold⁤ is too high ‌and that ‍all foreign donations should be disclosed, regardless of the ​amount.

The recent‍ revelations about the significant donations⁣ received by ⁢Harvard and UPenn⁢ from Middle Eastern sources raise ⁢questions about ⁢the potential influence of these donations on the institutions’ activities, curriculum, and research. It is crucial that these institutions remain vigilant and ensure that their‌ academic ​independence and integrity are not compromised.

In light of the rise‍ in antisemitic incidents on college ⁤campuses, it is ‍also important to consider the potential ⁣impact of these⁢ donations on campus climate and the promotion of tolerance and ​diversity. Educational ‌institutions have a responsibility to create⁢ safe and inclusive environments for all‌ students, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Ultimately, the ⁤issue of foreign donations to American ⁤universities requires careful consideration and ongoing scrutiny. ⁢While these ​funds can contribute ‍to the advancement of education and research, it is crucial to ensure that they do not compromise the core values and ​principles ‌of these institutions. Transparency and accountability must be prioritized to maintain the integrity and independence of American ​higher education.