University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill has resigned following widespread public outrage over her testimony to Congress on antisemitism. The resignation comes after major donor Ross Stevens withdrew a $100 million gift to the school in protest of its handling of antisemitism on campus and Magill’s leadership. The board of Penn’s Wharton business school also requested Magill’s resignation, leading to an emergency meeting of the university’s board of trustees.
During her testimony before the House Education and Workforce Committee, Magill faced criticism for refusing to explicitly state that antisemitic chants and calls for the genocide of Jewish people violate the university’s code of conduct. When asked by Rep. Elise Stefanik if such calls violated Penn’s rules or code of conduct, Magill responded, “If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment. Yes. It is a context-dependent decision.”
These remarks sparked intense condemnation of the university and prompted Magill to issue clarifying statements the following day. In her statement, she acknowledged her oversight in not addressing the fact that calling for the genocide of Jewish people is an incitement of violence.
Magill’s resignation was announced by Board of Trustees Chairman Scott L. Bok, who stated that she will continue as a tenured faculty member at Penn Carey Law. The resignation highlights the growing concern over the handling of antisemitism on college campuses and the importance of clear and unequivocal condemnation of such hatred.
The withdrawal of a significant donation and the pressure from both donors and the Wharton board demonstrate the gravity of the situation and the demand for accountability. The university now faces the task of rebuilding trust and addressing the concerns raised by its community and supporters.
The incident at the University of Pennsylvania is one of many instances of antisemitism facing major U.S. colleges. It serves as a real moment of reckoning and highlights the need for universities to take a strong stance against hate speech and acts of discrimination.
It remains to be seen how this resignation will impact the future of the University of Pennsylvania and its efforts to combat antisemitism on campus. The incident also raises broader questions about the responsibility of academic institutions in fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.
As the issue of antisemitism continues to be a matter of concern, it is crucial for universities and their leaders to address these issues head-on and ensure that their institutions remain safe and welcoming spaces for all.
