In a recent turn of events, the presidents of three prestigious academic institutions, Harvard, UPenn, and M.I.T., testified in a disastrous Capitol Hill hearing on the issue of anti-Semitism. While the presidents of Harvard and UPenn have since resigned, M.I.T.’s president, Sally Kornbluth, retains her position. However, Kornbluth has faced growing criticism regarding her inaction on combating anti-Semitism on M.I.T.'s campus.
One such critic is Talia Khan, a graduate student at M.I.T., who joins the chorus of voices seeking accountability from Kornbluth. Khan emphasizes that the problem at M.I.T. and other universities goes beyond just the presidents. Jewish students are experiencing discrimination, harassment, and a lack of safety on campuses. Khan argues that this issue runs deep, involving the entire senior administration, the board of directors, and the infrastructure surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Moreover, Bill Ackman, an influential figure, has highlighted the connections between M.I.T.'s corporation and DEI non-profit organizations, suggesting potential systemic issues that need to be addressed. The ultimate goal, Khan stresses, is to create substantive and lasting change that ensures the safety of Jewish students and encourages them to apply to elite academic institutions without fear.
Khan's personal experiences shed light on the severity of the situation. She recounts instances where she had to leave a study group due to individuals expressing disturbing views, such as condoning the October 7th massacre because it occurred on 'stolen land.' Khan further reveals that her Israeli flags were taken down by M.I.T. administration, while a Black Lives Matter flag flew just a short distance away from President Kornbluth's office. She highlights the selective enforcement of regulations, with anti-Israel students facing minimal repercussions despite bringing in outside protesters who advocate violence.
This deteriorating environment has left Jewish and Israeli students feeling vulnerable, with the campus becoming a breeding ground for hostile and aggressive behavior. Khan argues that this not only endangers the well-being of Jewish students but also compromises the overall learning environment for all students.
These testimonies shed light on the urgency of addressing the pervasive issue of anti-Semitism on university campuses, with M.I.T. being one of several prominent institutions grappling with the problem. As critics like Talia Khan continue to advocate for change, it remains to be seen whether President Kornbluth will respond with the necessary actions to combat discrimination, harassment, and the erosion of campus safety.
