[vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”150680″][vc_custom_heading text_font=”font-762333″ text_size=”bigtext” text_weight=”700″ text_transform=”capitalize” text_space=”fontspace-111509″ separator=”yes” sub_lead=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”104420″]ICAN Welcomes Congressional Investigation into Harvard, UPenn, and MIT[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”200950″]
December 7, 2023
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”934057″]The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) strongly supports the Committee on Education & the Workforce’s decision, led by Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, to launch a formal investigation into the alarming spike in antisemitic incidents at Harvard, UPenn, and MIT following the unprovoked October 7th attacks on Israel by Palestinian Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza.
The recent testimonies from Presidents Gay (Harvard), Magill (UPenn), and Kornbluth (MIT) have not only been profoundly disappointing but also indicative of a systemic failure to protect Jewish students from hate and discrimination. This negligence is unacceptable and demands immediate corrective action.
As an organization dedicated to the rights and safety of Israeli-American and Jewish communities, ICAN is appalled by the lack of decisive action from these and other esteemed institutions. The safety and well-being of Israeli-American and Jewish students is non-negotiable, and the apparent disregard for this principle is a dereliction of the universities’ moral and legal responsibilities.
ICAN demands that Harvard, UPenn, MIT, and other universities that may be added to this investigation fully comply with the Committee’s requests and take the first steps toward eradicating systemic antisemitism from their campuses. The time for half-measures and empty rhetoric has long passed. Concrete action is needed now.
We commend the Committee on Education & the Workforce for its commitment to investigating these failures. ICAN stands ready to support any efforts to create educational environments where respect, inclusivity, and safety are the norm, not the exception.
The fight against antisemitism is a fight for the core values of our society. ICAN will continue to remain engaged in this fight, ensuring that no student, family member, educator, or administrator ever has to face hatred or discrimination based on their identity.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”269503″]
Full Text of Committee Announcement
Foxx Announces Formal Investigation into Harvard, UPenn, and MIT
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 7, 2023
WASHINGTON – Today, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) released the following statement in the wake of Tuesday’s committee hearing with the presidents of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT:
“The testimony we received earlier this week from Presidents Gay, Magill, and Kornbluth about the responses of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT to the rampant antisemitism displayed on their campuses by students and faculty was absolutely unacceptable.
“Committee members have deep concerns with their leadership and their failure to take steps to provide Jewish students the safe learning environment they are due under law.
“Given those institutional and personal failures, the Committee is opening a formal investigation into the learning environments at Harvard, UPenn, and MIT and their policies and disciplinary procedures. This investigation will include substantial document requests, and the Committee will not hesitate to utilize compulsory measures including subpoenas if a full response is not immediately forthcoming.
“The disgusting targeting and harassment of Jewish students is not limited to these institutions, and other universities should expect investigations as well, as their litany of similar failures has not gone unnoticed.”
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”140603″]The Israeli-American Civic Action Network is dedicated to empowering Israeli immigrants and American allies to create change for a better America, a more secure Israel, and a stronger U.S. – Israel alliance through advocacy education and civic action. Learn more at IsraelUSA.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]