Ivy League ‘complicit in fostering a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students’
A Jewish solidarity march in March 2020 / Getty Images
The University of Pennsylvania is under scrutiny for hosting an event that featured a lineup of anti-Semites, potentially violating federal laws designed to protect minority students, including Jews, from campus hostility. This three-day Palestine Writes Literature Festival, held in downtown Philadelphia, drew criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel groups for promoting speakers who endorse terrorism against Israel and hurl derogatory slurs at its supporters. The festival took place amidst escalating tensions on campus, as Penn’s Jewish center was vandalized just a day before the event, further exacerbating fears among Jewish students.
A legal watchdog group, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under the Law, has now warned the university that its endorsement of the event may violate Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity or national origin. In a letter to Penn president Elizabeth Magill, the group accuses the university of complicity in creating a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students by failing to condemn the anti-Semitic rhetoric peddled by many of the festival’s speakers. The group argues that Penn’s tacit support of inflammatory and false narratives about Israel and the denial of Jewish ancestral connection to the land allows the festival to perpetuate a hostile environment for Jewish students, especially at a time when anti-Semitic harassment and assault are on the rise on college campuses.
Among the festival’s speakers were Roger Waters, the anti-Israel frontman of Pink Floyd, Wisam Rafeedie, a former Palestinian political prisoner who writes favorably about terror attacks on Israel, and Salman Abu Sitta, a member of an Israeli-designated terror group’s advisory board. Marc Lamont Hill, who was fired from CNN for advocating Israel’s destruction, also conducted a panel during the event. Another scheduled attendee, Refatt Alareer, a professor at the Islamic University of Gaza, frequently shares anti-Semitic content on social media and directs hateful remarks towards Zionists.
While Penn acknowledged the troubling history of many festival speakers in a public statement, it refused to cancel the event, citing a commitment to supporting the free exchange of ideas. In private communications with Jewish groups and the Anti-Defamation League, the university provided similar justifications, promising to do better in the future. However, the Brandeis Center argues that these efforts fail to address the immediate problem and protect Jewish students from the hostile environment already generated by the festival.
Alyza Lewin, president of the Brandeis Center, asserts that Penn has a legal obligation to take immediate action to counter the atmosphere of hostility towards Jews on campus. She emphasizes that the festival, billed as a celebration of Palestinian culture, disproportionately features speakers who deny the ancestral connection of Jews to Israel and marginalize those who identify with this heritage. Lewin insists that the university must ensure that Jewish students are not targeted, marginalized, harassed, or excluded as a result of this festival.
Meanwhile, the Palestine Writes Literature Festival is also facing legal threats from the Pennsylvania governor for falsely claiming support from the state’s Council on the Arts. The festival’s website displays the arts council’s logo as a sponsor, although it is not affiliated with the organization. The governor’s office has warned of potential legal action if the false endorsement is not removed from the festival’s materials.
How have Ivy League institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, faced criticism in the past for fostering a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students?
Elis, and Rania Matar, a Palestinian-American photographer who has compared Israeli border controls to apartheid. These speakers, along with others, have been accused of perpetuating anti-Semitic tropes and promoting violence against Israel. By giving them a platform at the festival, Penn is seen as endorsing their views and thereby creating a hostile atmosphere for Jewish and Israeli students.
The allegations made by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under the Law highlight a concerning trend within Ivy League institutions. This is not the first time that universities in the Ivy League have faced criticism for fostering a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students. Earlier this year, Columbia University came under fire for hosting an event featuring a guest speaker who called for the destruction of Israel. Similarly, Harvard University faced backlash for its decision to invite an author known for her anti-Israel stance to speak on campus.
These incidents raise questions about the commitment of Ivy League universities to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all students. While universities have a duty to promote free speech and intellectual debate, they also have a responsibility to ensure that hate speech and discrimination are not tolerated. By giving a platform to speakers who promote violence and perpetuate anti-Semitic stereotypes, universities risk alienating Jewish and Israeli students and failing to provide them with a safe and supportive environment in which to learn.
It is crucial for universities like the University of Pennsylvania to take these allegations seriously and address them promptly. This includes conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations, engaging in dialogue with Jewish and Israeli student groups, and implementing policies to prevent future incidents of discrimination and bias. Furthermore, universities should make it clear that they do not endorse or tolerate hate speech, whether it is directed at Jewish, Israeli, or any other minority groups.
The fight against anti-Semitism on college campuses requires a collective effort from students, faculty, and university administrators. It is not enough to simply condemn acts of anti-Semitism when they occur; universities must proactively work to create an inclusive environment where all students feel safe and respected. This includes fostering dialogue between different communities, promoting education about Jewish history and culture, and holding accountable those who promote hate speech or discrimination.
As renowned institutions with a history of academic excellence, Ivy League universities have a significant role to play in setting the standard for inclusivity and respect on college campuses. By addressing the allegations of complicity in fostering a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students, these universities have an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to creating a truly diverse and inclusive educational environment.
It is imperative that the University of Pennsylvania and other Ivy League institutions take a strong stance against anti-Semitism and ensure that Jewish and Israeli students are protected from hostility and discrimination. Only by doing so can these universities uphold their values and fulfill their mission of providing a quality education for all students, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The University of Pennsylvania must seize this opportunity to make it clear that it stands against anti-Semitism and will not tolerate any form of discrimination against Jewish or Israeli students. By doing so, it can restore confidence among its Jewish community and reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful campus environment.
It is time for Ivy League universities to live up to their reputation and demonstrate their dedication to creating safe and welcoming spaces for all students. The fight against anti-Semitism starts on campus, and it is the responsibility of these prestigious institutions to lead by example and ensure that Jewish and Israeli students feel valued and supported within their academic communities.
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