In a recent development, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill has been asked to resign by the board of Penn’s Wharton business school. The board cited Magill’s disastrous Congressional testimony on antisemitism as the reason for their request. The letter, obtained by Digital, highlighted the board’s deep concern about the toxic culture on campus and the failure of university leadership to address it.
The influential board, which includes prominent figures such as former Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky and billionaire NFL owner Josh Harris, did not mince words in their letter. They called on the university to clarify its position on “calls for harm” against any group and to take immediate action in disciplining offenders. The board also demanded that the university change any policies that allow such conduct.
This call for Magill’s resignation comes on the heels of a major donor withdrawing a $100 million donation in protest against the university’s handling of antisemitism on campus and Magill’s controversial testimony. Ross Stevens, founder and CEO of Stone Ridge Asset Management, had donated to Penn in 2017 to help establish a financial innovation center.
Attorneys for Stevens sent a letter to the university, stating that the school had violated their limited partnership agreement by failing to adhere to anti-discrimination and anti-harassment rules. The university now faces the consequences of its stance on antisemitism on campus.
The University of Pennsylvania has not yet provided a comment on this matter. However, this development raises important questions about the university’s leadership and its commitment to addressing issues of discrimination and toxic culture on campus.
In conclusion, the call for Liz Magill’s resignation as University of Pennsylvania President reflects the growing concern about the university’s handling of antisemitism on campus and the failure of its leadership to address the issue effectively. The withdrawal of a major donation further highlights the seriousness of the situation. The university now faces pressure to clarify its position and take immediate action against offenders.
