'I cannot condone it!' US Governor withdraws support for Harvard over 'dangerous antisemitism' row
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan practices his farewell address
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A former US Governor has withdrawn his support for a prestigious university amid a “dangerous antisemitism” row.
Larry Hogan, who served as Governor of Maryland from 2015 to 2023, penned an open letter to Harvard University yesterday revealing he would not attend the college’s upcoming leadership lessons.
The 67-year-old Republican “regretfully” announced his decision after more than 30 Harvard student organisations were accused of attempting to justify and celebrate terrorist acts committed by Hamas against both Israeli and American civilians.
He said: “I cannot condone the dangerous antisemitism that has taken root on your campus.”
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Hogan continued: “While these students have a right to free speech, they do not have a right to have hate speech go unchallenged by your institution.
“Harvard’s failure to immediately and forcefully denounce the antisemitic vitriol from these students is in my opinion a moral stain on the university.”
The moderate Grand Old Party official concluded: “I am hereby withdrawing from my participation in the Harvard University fellowship programmes.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly but it is my hope that it may help further spur you to take meaningful action to address antisemitism and restore the values Harvard should represent to the world.”
Demonstrators take their "Emergency Rally: Stand with Palestinians Under Siege in Gaza" out of Harvard University and onto the streets of Harvard Square
REUTERS
Hogan, who was educated at Florida State University, previously accepted fellowships at both the Kennedy School of Politics and the Chan School of Public Health.
One of America’s top universities faced a backlash after the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee, a coalition of student groups, released a statement that held “the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence”.
Terror organisation Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, leaving 1,400 dead and taking around 200 people hostage.
The statement said millions of Palestinians in Gaza have been “forced to live in an open-air prison” and called on Harvard to “take action to stop the ongoing annihilation of Palestinians.”
Demonstrators take part in an "Emergency Rally: Stand with Palestinians Under Siege in Gaza," amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas
REUTERS
Former Harvard President Larry Summers said he felt “alienated” from his alma mater over both its initial lack of response to Hamas’ attacks and the student groups’ statement.
He added: “In nearly 50 years of Harvard affiliation, I have never been as disillusioned and alienated as I am today.”
Harvard President Claudine Gay on Monday condemned antisemitism, adding: “It has no place at Harvard.”
There are concerns the situation could adversely impact Harvard's ability to receive donations.