Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has announced his decision to withdraw from fellowship programs at Harvard University due to what he calls “dangerous” antisemitism on campus following recent terror attacks by Hamas in Israel. Hogan, a Republican, was set to begin fellowships at both the Kennedy School of Politics and the Chan School of Public Health next month. However, he expressed his concern over the overwhelming presence of antisemitism on campus, particularly among more than 30 Harvard student organizations.
In a statement posted on X, Hogan condemned the student organizations’ attempts to justify and celebrate Hamas’ terrorism against innocent Israeli and American civilians. He emphasized that he could not condone the dangerous anti-Semitism that has taken root on the Harvard campus. Hogan’s decision comes after 34 student organizations signed a statement issued by the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups, blaming the “Israeli regime” for the ongoing violence.
Harvard University has faced mounting criticism for its lack of immediate response to the situation. Top law firms have withdrawn job offers from students associated with these student organizations, and prominent donors have severed ties with the university. Initially, Harvard President Claudine Gay released a brief statement condemning Hamas’ attacks but failed to explicitly denounce the controversial opinions expressed by the student groups. In response to the criticism, Gay released a video message clarifying that the university does not endorse, but also does not punish or sanction, people for expressing polarizing views.
Hogan criticized Harvard’s leadership for their failure to promptly and forcefully denounce the student vitriol, calling it a “moral stain” on the university. While acknowledging the students’ right to free speech, Hogan argued that hate speech should not go unchallenged by the institution. He emphasized the importance of taking a clear stand against genocidal acts, stating, “There is no ‘both sides’ when it comes to the murder, rape, and kidnapping of innocent women and children.”
The recent violence in Israel has resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 222 individuals, including foreigners, by Hamas. The situation has further intensified the debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of academic institutions in addressing sensitive issues.
In conclusion, Hogan’s decision to withdraw from Harvard fellowships sheds light on the issue of rising antisemitism on campus following the recent terror attacks by Hamas. It highlights the responsibility of academic institutions to address hate speech and take a clear stand against genocidal acts. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of universities in promoting tolerance and condemning violence.
