The Wexner Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by former Victoria’s Secret billionaire Leslie Wexner and his wife Abigail, has severed ties with Harvard University due to the school’s handling of Hamas’ terror attacks against Israel. The foundation has decided to end its relationship and financial support for Harvard following criticism from donors who were concerned about the university’s initial response to the attacks and an anti-Israel statement issued by student groups.
In a letter to the Harvard board of overseers, the leaders of the Wexner Foundation expressed their disappointment in the university’s failure to take a clear and unequivocal stand against the “barbaric murders” of innocent Israeli civilians. They specifically cited the statement released by a coalition of student groups that solely blamed Israel for the terror attacks by Hamas.
Former Harvard President Larry Summers also criticized the university’s response and expressed his confusion over the administration’s failure to disassociate the institution from the student groups’ statement. The Wexner Foundation echoed Summers’ sentiments in their letter, stating that Harvard’s leaders were “tiptoeing, equivocating,” and that condemning the student statement should not have been difficult.
This decision by the Wexner Foundation to end its relationship with Harvard is not the only fallout the university has faced. Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his wife Batia also quit a Harvard executive board in protest of the university’s response to the Hamas terror attacks.
In response to the criticism, Harvard reiterated its condemnation of both the attacks against Israel and terrorism. A spokesperson for the university expressed gratitude for the Wexner Foundation’s longstanding support of student scholarships.
Harvard President Claudine Gay released a video statement in an attempt to address the growing criticism. She made it clear that the university rejects terrorism and hate towards any group of people based on their faith, national origin, or any aspect of their identity. Gay also emphasized Harvard’s commitment to free expression, even when it comes to views that many may find objectionable.
The Wexner Foundation, which aims to develop and inspire leaders in the North American Jewish community and Israel, had supported a fellowship program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. However, the foundation now considers Harvard Kennedy School no longer a compatible partner due to the university’s response to the terror attacks and the broader narrowing of tolerance for diverse perspectives over the years.
Leslie Wexner, who once presided over a business empire that included Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret, had previously apologized for his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In 2020, Wexner stepped down from the Limited Brands and sold his majority stake.
The severing of ties between the Wexner Foundation and Harvard University marks another instance of heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the clash of viewpoints on college campuses.