Senator John Fetterman criticized Harvard University for not addressing antisemitism, leading him to remove the Harvard academic hood during his speech at Yeshiva University’s graduation ceremony.
Fetterman, honored with the “Hero of Israel” award, felt it was inappropriate to wear the Harvard hood due to Harvard’s lack of support for the Jewish community.
Despite his strong support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, Fetterman received a standing ovation for his symbolic act.
He assured the audience that the Jewish community should always have his support, a commitment that was well received.
Senator Fetterman completed his undergraduate studies at Albright College in Pennsylvania in 1991 and earned an MBA from the University of Connecticut in 1993.
He later obtained a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government in 1999.
Fetterman has remarked that the current atmosphere at Harvard differs greatly from when he attended, expressing a sense of disconnect with the institution.
Recently, he publicly endorsed Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts and current Utah Republican Senator, for the presidency of Harvard, a position currently held on an interim basis by Alan Garver, the university’s former provost.
Following his speech, Senator Fetterman was seen dancing with students and school officials.
The former President of Harvard University, Claudine Gay, faced severe backlash after the October 7, 2023, incident involving the Jewish state.
She was criticized for not condemning 30 Harvard student groups who blamed Israel entirely for Hamas’ actions.
Gay’s appearance before Congress on December 5, where she refrained from advocating punishment for those advocating for the genocide of Jewish people at Harvard, fueled further controversy.
Despite this, Harvard faculty members rallied around Gay, urging the administration not to give in to political pressure.
After resigning as president amidst plagiarism allegations in January, Claudine Gay continues to serve as a professor at Harvard, teaching government and African and African American studies.
