Not every day do you see an academic institution being criticized and facing a social boycott for the deeds of the students. But then there’s Harvard University for you! One of the most respected educational hubs in the world is now on the edge of a mass boycott by corporate bigwigs. The reason? Their students have shown support for the horrifying deeds of Hamas, regardless of race or nation.
Harvard University’s lukewarm response to the controversial student union coalition letter that blamed Israel for the Hamas terrorist attack has led to Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and the Wexner Foundation severing ties with the university. Idan Ofer and his wife Batia announced their decision to resign from a Harvard executive board, stating that their “faith in the University’s leadership has been broken” and that they “cannot in good faith continue to support Harvard and its committees.” “We denounce those who seek to place blame on the people of Israel for the atrocities committed by the terrorist organization, Hamas,” the Ofers reportedly said.
Wexner Foundation cuts ties with @Harvard, saying:
“We are stunned and sickened at the dismal failure of Harvard’s leadership to take a clear and unequivocal stand against the barbaric murders of innocent Israeli civilians by terrorists last Saturday.” pic.twitter.com/eYhuPtSVuB
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) October 16, 2023
Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Retaliation, the Israel way!
Although Harvard University President Claudine Gay eventually distanced the university from the outrageous statement signed by the student groups, the Ofers argued that the University administration failed to make its support for the people of Israel clear during Hamas terrorist attacks. Moreover, the billionaire couple said that Harvard has been “unwilling” to label Hamas as a terrorist organization.
The Ofers are not alone; several other corporate recruiters are reconsidering their commitments to this University. On October 16th, the Wexner Foundation announced its decision to end a 34-year-old partnership with Harvard and the Harvard Kennedy School over Harvard’s “dismal failure” to take a clear and unequivocal stand against Hamas’s barbaric terrorist attacks on October 7th.
Harvard University’s refusal to condemn Hamas terror supporting students leads to one of their largest donors pulling all donations.
We applaud Idan Ofer and his wife and encourage all donors to follow suit. pic.twitter.com/gSInlzCdsl
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) October 14, 2023
Prior to this, corporate leaders, including Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square, announced last week that their companies would not hire students who signed the pro-Hamas statement. As many prominent firms announced their decision not to consider hiring the signatories of the said joint statement, several of the signatories withdrew their signatures from the statement. This decision from prominent businesses underscores the importance of upholding ethical and moral principles in the corporate world. It also serves as a reminder that the actions of students can have real-world consequences, impacting their future employment opportunities.
Sravya Tadepalli, who signed off on the Harvard Students Union letter in support of Hamas/Palestine and blaming Israel for the terror attack, is also on the Board of Directors of the Anti-Hindu organisation "Hindus For Human Rights" (HFHR).
HFHR brands Hindutva as a fascist… pic.twitter.com/a4e3736C5L
— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) October 11, 2023
Interestingly, this controversy also had a uncanny connection to India. Several Indian students were among the signatories of the controversial letter. Notably, a student group named Harvard Undergraduate Ghungroo initially supported the pro-Palestine resolution but later backtracked. This organization is affiliated with Harvard’s South Asian Art (SAA). It’s worth noting that the SAA’s board members had supported a contentious bill alongside Equality Labs, an organization with its own controversies. The bill, which was ultimately returned by the governor of California, raised concerns about its impact on various communities.
Also read: Six Day War 2.0? Israel being attacked on multiple fronts
One student, Nikhil Dharmaraj, came into focus in particular due to his past associations with such shady organizations. Dharmaraj has a history of expressing anti-Israel sentiments and was a member of Harvard University’s Palestine Solidarity Committee in multiple years. This revelation raises questions about the consistency of his stance, especially given the conflict between some Islamist groups and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Humbled to share this piece today covering the insidious Brahminical and colonial genealogies of AI surveillance and facial recognition tech in Hindutva India (a short-form version of my senior thesis)—read below / DM me re any access issues ⬇️ https://t.co/DoId3fhGQP
— Nikhil (மல்லிகா) (@nikdharmaraj) May 29, 2023
Harvard University’s recent controversy, stemming from the support shown by some of its students for Hamas, has had significant ramifications. The decisions of prominent figures and organizations to sever their ties with the university highlight the importance of taking a clear and principled stance against terrorism. It also serves as a reminder that the actions of students can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only their academic institution but also their future prospects in the corporate world.
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Humbled to share this piece today covering the insidious Brahminical and colonial genealogies of AI surveillance and facial recognition tech in Hindutva India (a short-form version of my senior thesis)—read below / DM me re any access issues ⬇️ https://t.co/DoId3fhGQP
— Nikhil (மல்லிகா) (@nikdharmaraj) May 29, 2023
