The storm of controversy surrounding Harvard University shows no sign of letting up. The institution, renowned for its academic prowess, has come under fire for university president Claudine Gay’s refusal to condemn calls for genocide of Jews on campus. This controversy has now led to the cancellation of a major donation from the family foundation of billionaire Len Blavatnik, who also owns Channel 13 in Israel.
The fallout from Gay’s remarks in front of Congress has been significant, with many calling for her resignation. The university has also seen a wave of canceled donations from some of America’s wealthiest individuals. The latest blow comes in the form of the cancellation of a $270 million donation from the Blavatnik family foundation.
In response to the backlash, Harvard University released a statement on Twitter, with Gay asserting, “There are those who have confused the right to freedom of expression with the idea that Harvard would condone calls for violence against Jewish students. Let me clarify: calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious group or ethnic group, are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held accountable.”
The controversy shows no signs of abating, and Harvard University continues to face a tumultuous period as it grapples with the fallout from Gay’s remarks and the subsequent cancellation of a major donation. Time will tell how the institution will weather this storm and whether there will be any further repercussions.