University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill faced backlash after her statements on anti-Semitic speech on campus, prompting her to clarify her position. In a message shared on X, President Magill addressed the controversy surrounding her remarks about whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated the university’s code of conduct on bullying or harassment. Her initial response focused on the protection of free speech, but she acknowledged the gravity of such calls for violence and expressed regret for not emphasizing it earlier.
During a congressional hearing on anti-Semitism, President Magill was asked about the university’s policies regarding a call for the genocide of Jewish people. She stated that speech alone is not punishable according to the U.S. Constitution, which influenced the university’s long-standing policies. However, she later recognized that a call for genocide is an abhorrent act of violence and unequivocally condemned it as evil.
President Magill’s video response received criticism from Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-NY, who called it a “pathetic PR clean-up attempt” and expressed disappointment over the lack of apology. The Ivy League president clarified that a call for genocide would be classified as harassment or intimidation, acknowledging the intention to terrorize a community that has historically faced hatred and persecution.
President Magill emphasized the need to reevaluate and clarify the university’s policies on hate speech and intimidation due to the increasing signs of hate on campus. She acknowledged that these policies have been guided by the Constitution and the law for decades but emphasized the importance of addressing the current rise in hate.
In conclusion, President Magill expressed her commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all members of the university community. She acknowledged the need to get the policies right and ensure that all individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or violence.
