A recent report led by the GOP uncovered instances of Harvard University and Northwestern University failing to support Jewish students during campus protests. The report, which was 365 pages long and based on a yearlong investigation, found that Harvard refused to describe Hamas’ attack on Israel as “violent” and Northwestern considered removing Sabra hummus from campus.
According to the report, Harvard administrators removed the word “violent” from a statement regarding the attack after a dean raised concerns about assigning blame. Northwestern’s President Michael Schill entertained the idea of removing Sabra hummus from campus to appease protesters. Additionally, anti-Israel faculty were appointed to negotiate with protesting students, and suggestions like hiring an anti-Zionist rabbi were considered.
The report also accused universities of intentionally withholding support from Jewish students, rather than it being due to negligence. Harvard President Claudine Gay, who resigned after testifying on antisemitism and facing accusations of plagiarism, asked the university not to label certain phrases as antisemitic.
Columbia University was also mentioned in the report for considering concessions like divesting from companies complicit in international law violations and partnering with a Palestinian university where Hamas is active on campus. The report highlighted incidents where universities failed to punish students for their actions during protests.
The report concluded that universities likely violated Title VI and called for increased accountability. Representative Virginia Foxx emphasized the need for the executive branch to enforce laws and restore order on college campuses to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
Northwestern University responded to the report, stating that the characterizations of their Provost and faculty members were unfair and based on out-of-context communications. They mentioned the improvements made since the incidents mentioned in the report.
Overall, the report sheds light on the challenges faced by Jewish students during campus protests and calls for better support and accountability from universities to ensure a safe environment for all students.
