During a House committee hearing on antisemitism on college campuses, Rep. Elise Stefanik challenged Harvard University President Dr. Claudine Gay on the issue of free speech and antisemitic rhetoric at Harvard.
Stefanik pressed Gay on whether speech calling for the “intifada” and advocating for violence against Jews violated Harvard’s code of conduct.
Gay acknowledged the speech as “hateful” but emphasized Harvard’s commitment to free expression, deflecting when asked about specific disciplinary actions. (Trending: Joe Biden Admits He’s ‘Not Sure’ About Running If Trump Wasn’t)
Harvard President Refuses to Condemn Calls For Genocide Against Jewish People.
Sickening. pic.twitter.com/5wSpPNbLvL
— AnalyzingAmerica (@AnalyzAmerica) December 7, 2023
Rep. Stefanik said, “the use of the term intifada in the context of the Israeli-Arab conflict is indeed a call for violent armed resistance against the state of Israel, including violence against, civilians and the genocide of Jews.”
“That type of hateful speech is personally abhorrent to me,” answered Gay.
“We embrace a commitment to free expression, even of that are objectionable, offensive, hateful. It’s when that speech crosses into conduct that violates our policies against bullying,” said Gay.
Rep. Stefanik followed up asking, “Does that speech not cross that barrier? Does that speech not call for the genocide of Jews and the elimination of Israel?”
“When you testify that you understand that is the definition of intifada, is that speech according to the code of conduct or not?”
“We embrace a commitment to free expression and give a wide berth to free expression, even of views that are objectionable,” answered Gay.
“Will admissions offers be rescinded or any disciplinary action be taken against students or applicants who say from the river to the sea or intifada, advocating for the murder of Jews?” pressed Rep. Stefanik.
“As I said, that type of hateful, reckless, offensive speech is personally abhorrent to me,” repeated Gay.
Stefanik also raised concerns about Harvard’s handling of antisemitism, citing a report on free speech rankings.
Despite pressing for specifics, Gay declined to provide details on disciplinary actions, leading to further criticism from Stefanik and student activists.
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