‘If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment,’ Penn’s Liz Magill said
The presidents of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard University made a controversial statement on Tuesday. They claimed that calling for the genocide of Jews would not necessarily violate their schools’ code of conduct.
During a hearing, Rep. Elise Stefanik questioned the university heads about whether “calling for the genocide of Jews” goes against their school’s code of conduct or rules on bullying and harassment.
Sally Kornbluth of MIT responded by saying that if the statements were not made publicly and were targeted at individuals, they would be investigated as harassment if they were pervasive and severe.
Liz Magill of Penn added that if speech turns into conduct and is directed, severe, or pervasive, it can be considered harassment. Stefanik pressed for a clear ”yes” answer, but Magill stated that it depends on the context.
Stefanik expressed her disbelief, emphasizing that calling for the genocide of Jews should be an easy question to answer. Magill then clarified that if the speech becomes conduct, it can indeed be considered harassment.
Stefanik then turned to Harvard president Claudine Gay and asked if such calls violate the school’s rules against bullying and harassment. Gay responded that it depends on the context, specifically if the rhetoric is targeted at an individual.
Stefanik criticized the presidents for their “unacceptable answers across the board.” The presidents were testifying before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding anti-Semitism on their campuses.
In another part of the hearing, Stefanik questioned Gay about whether students who call for an ”intifada” or use the phrase “from the river to the sea” would face consequences. Gay acknowledged that it was offensive speech but stated that it was protected by freedom of expression.
What steps have universities taken to address and combat online harassment, and how effective have these measures been in creating a culture of respect and empathy
If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment. These words, uttered by Liz Magill, Penn’s Provost and the former dean of Stanford Law School, shed light on an issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years. With the rise of technology and the widespread use of social media platforms, speech has taken a new form and has the potential to transcend its traditional limitations.
Magill’s statement serves as a reminder that speech, especially when it crosses certain boundaries, should not be seen as a harmless act. It can morph into conduct that can harm, intimidate, and cause despair to its recipients. This is particularly salient in the context of online interactions, where individuals are more likely to let down their inhibitions and hide behind the anonymity that the internet provides.
On college campuses, where diversity and free expression are celebrated, finding the balance between protecting individuals’ right to express themselves and ensuring a safe environment for all can be challenging. In this regard, Magill’s words resonate strongly. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it comes with a responsibility to exercise it in a way that does not trample on the rights and well-being of others.
The issue of harassment, both on and off-campus, is not a new one. However, the evolution of speech in the digital era has presented new challenges. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for hate speech, cyberbullying, and targeted harassment. The ease with which one can disseminate harmful content to a wide audience has resulted in a surge of online aggression.
Recognizing the detrimental effects of such conduct, universities across the nation have taken steps to address and combat online harassment. Strict policies have been implemented to discourage and penalize those who engage in such behavior. Additionally, awareness campaigns and workshops are organized to educate students about the implications of their online actions and the importance of maintaining a respectful discourse.
Nevertheless, striking the right balance between free speech and protecting individuals from harm is a delicate task. The challenge lies in identifying when speech transitions into conduct that can cause distress or detriment to another person. Context plays a pivotal role in making this distinction. While disagreement and debate are essential components of a vibrant intellectual environment, when speech becomes a direct and personal attack targeted at an individual or group, it crosses the line into harassment.
Universities must create spaces where individuals feel safe to express themselves without fear of retribution or harm. This involves fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding. It also requires active intervention when instances of harassment occur, both online and offline. Peer support programs, counseling services, and reporting mechanisms can empower individuals and provide them with the tools to effectively respond to and address incidents of harassment.
Moreover, it is crucial to involve all members of the university community, including faculty, staff, and students, in the conversation surrounding online harassment. By promoting open dialogue and emphasizing the importance of responsible speech, universities can cultivate an atmosphere that encourages critical thinking and respectful engagement.
While the battle against online harassment may seem overwhelming at times, it is imperative that universities continue to prioritize the well-being and safety of their students. By instilling in them a sense of ethical responsibility and equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate the digital world, universities can empower a new generation to harness the power of speech while respecting the boundaries that protect individuals from harm.
In conclusion, Liz Magill’s statement serves as a wake-up call to the harmful potential of speech when it transforms into conduct. The digital era has presented new challenges in combatting online harassment, but universities must remain vigilant in their efforts to create safe and inclusive environments. By promoting responsible speech and providing support mechanisms, universities can foster a culture that values both freedom of expression and individual well-being.
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