The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is facing a major crisis after a major donor threatened to withdraw a $100 million donation from The Wharton School, the university’s business school. The threat came after UPenn President Elizabeth Magill appeared before Congress and refused to answer a question about whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated the university’s code of conduct or rules regarding bullying and harassment.
The hearing was attended by leaders of three Ivy League schools – Harvard President Claudine Gay, MIT President Sally Kornbluth, and UPenn President Elizabeth Magill. During the hearing, none of the presidents answered “yes” or “no” to the question. All three presidents told the panel that they did not condone antisemitism and were taking steps to prevent it on campus, but on the specific question they cited free speech rights and said any discipline would depend on the specific circumstances.
The refusal to answer the question has been met with criticism from many, including Stone Ridge Asset Management CEO Ross Stevens. Stevens has threatened to withdraw his donation, now worth $100 million, to the Wharton School’s Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance if Magill is not removed from office.
The threat has caused a stir among UPenn students, faculty, and alumni. Many are concerned that the university’s reputation and standing in the academic world could be damaged if the donation is withdrawn. Others are worried that the university’s commitment to free speech and academic freedom could be compromised if the president is removed from office.
At the same time, many are also concerned about the rise of hate speech and acts — both antisemitic and Islamophobic — on U.S. college campuses since the Hamas-Israel war began in October. UPenn has taken steps to address the issue, including the creation of a task force to investigate and address incidents of hate speech and acts on campus.
The university is now in a difficult position. It must decide whether to stand by its commitment to free speech and academic freedom, or to take action against the president in order to keep the donation. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the university must take a strong stance against hate speech and acts on campus.
UPenn has a long history of standing up for its values and beliefs, and this situation is no different. The university must take a firm stance against hate speech and acts, while also protecting its commitment to free speech and academic freedom. It is a difficult balance to strike, but one that UPenn must strive to achieve.
