House panel asks Harvard for documents in antisemitism probe – Conservative Angle
The House Education and Workforce Committee has requested information from Harvard regarding its response to antisemitism on campus as part of an ongoing inquiry into the prestigious university. Led by Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the panel expressed grave concerns regarding the inadequacy of Harvard’s response to the antisemitism on its campus in a letter sent to the university.
The committee’s letter specifically asks for reports of antisemitism dating back to 2021, disciplinary records related to antisemitism involving both faculty and students, information about Jewish student enrollment trends, and details on foreign donations. The investigation was prompted by a congressional hearing on the rise of antisemitism on college campuses following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.
Earlier last month, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology came under scrutiny after their presidents faced backlash for what critics deemed unsatisfactory responses during the hearing. As a result, both former Harvard President Claudine Gay, who was also accused of plagiarism, and former UPenn President Liz McGill resigned in the weeks following the inquiry.
Despite the leadership changes, concerns remain about Harvard’s handling of antisemitism incidents. The committee’s letter emphasizes that there is evidence antisemitism has been pervasive at Harvard since well before the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack. The inquiry aims to investigate the failures of the institution as a whole, extending beyond the actions of any single leader.
May Mailman, a former Trump administration lawyer and Harvard alum, commented on the matter, stating that Harvard’s diversity initiatives may have inadvertently led to the inadequacy of protection for Jewish individuals. Mailman believes the panel’s questions about failing to protect individuals based on their status are crucial in understanding the situation.
Another Harvard alum, former congressman and Trump administration official Mick Mulvaney, cautioned that board members should prepare for increased scrutiny as they may be called to testify before multiple committees. If you’re a member of the Harvard Corporation, welcome to Washington, D.C., he warned.
Harvard has been given until January 23 to produce the requested documents.
The House committee’s investigation aims to shed light on how Harvard has handled incidents of antisemitism on its campus. As the inquiry progresses, it seeks to ensure that the university is held accountable for any institutional failures related to antisemitism.
By obtaining the requested documents, the committee hopes to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation at Harvard and determine necessary actions to address the issue.
