College Presidents Testify Before Congress on Combatting Antisemitism and Hate Speech on Campus

Washington - On Tuesday, the presidents of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) appeared before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to discuss the steps they have taken to combat antisemitism on their campuses since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The presidents, Claudine Gay of Harvard, Liz Magill of Penn, and Sally Kornbluth of MIT, highlighted the fine line they have to tread between protecting free speech and combating hate speech.

Claudine Gay emphasized Harvard's commitment to providing firm leadership in the fight against antisemitism and hate speech while also preserving room for free expression and dissent. She acknowledged that they have not always gotten it right but expressed her personal responsibility as Harvard's president to confront antisemitism with the urgency it demands.

The university leaders also disavowed antisemitism and Islamophobia on their campuses, acknowledging that incidents of both had taken place since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The federal government has opened investigations into several universities, including Penn and Harvard, regarding these issues. The Education Department has also reminded schools of their legal duty to stop harassment that interferes with student learning.

All three presidents defended their universities' response to the incidents, emphasizing their commitment to creating a safe, secure, and supportive educational environment. Liz Magill of Penn emphasized the need for both safety and free expression for universities and democracy to thrive. However, she acknowledged the difficulty in balancing these competing principles.

During the hearing, Republicans questioned the colleges' record in combatting antisemitism and their work on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, the committee chairwoman, criticized universities for promoting ideologies such as anti-racism, anti-colonialism, critical race theory, and intersectionality, which she believed put Jews at the bottom of the totem pole without protection.

In response, Democrats noted that Republicans have sought to cut funding to the Education Department, specifically the Office of Civil Rights, which investigates issues like antisemitism and discrimination on campuses. Bobby Scott of Virginia, the committee's ranking Democrat, criticized Republicans for "stoking culture wars" while claiming to combat discrimination on campus.

The hearing comes in the wake of rising tensions on college campuses related to the Israel-Hamas war. Several incidents of antisemitism have been reported, prompting accusations that universities are not doing enough to protect students. The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is currently investigating Harvard, Penn, and other schools following alleged complaints of antisemitism and Islamophobia.

In recent weeks, Harvard faced criticism for its slow response to condemning student organizations that blamed Israel for the bloodshed. The University of Pennsylvania also reported antisemitic incidents, including threatening emails and projected messages on campus buildings, leading the FBI to be alerted. MIT suspended students involved in protests that disrupted campus activities, drawing criticism for not taking more substantial action.

The hearing aimed to address these issues and provide insight into how universities are working to combat antisemitism and hate speech while upholding free speech rights. The presidents' testimonies shed light on the challenges they face and the steps they are taking to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

The hearing can be watched live on CBS News or streaming devices on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at 10:15 a.m. EST.