UPenn president testifies in front of Congress about antisemitism, protests on campus
The hearing centered around university leaders' handling of protests on campus and antisemitic protests.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill testified before Congress on Tuesday about antisemitism on college campuses.
Magill is facing enduring criticism for her response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, among other things.
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But she is not alone.
Magill was among university leaders to testify, including presidents of Harvard University and MIT.
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They answered questions presented by congressional members of the Committee on Education and The Workforce, and the hearing was centered around their handling of protests on campus and antisemitic protests.
While some lawmakers kept their questions calm and nonpartisan, others unleashed on UPenn's president.
"You said something about antisemitism being symbolic of the larger society. Your university is a hotbed of it," one lawmaker stated.
WATCH | Penn president testifies to House Education Committee about antisemitism on campus
The chairman of that committee, Republican Representative Virginia Foxx, of North Carolina, says the college administrators have stood by allowing, "horrific rhetoric to foster and grow."
Over the past couple of months in Philadelphia, Magill has been criticized by both sides of the war -- those who support the Jewish community and others supporting Palestine.
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Several top donors have also threatened to cut off funding to the university.
There have been antisemitic threats to staff and projections on the campus buildings.
The congressional committee will be pointing out a clip circulating on Twitter where Philadelphia police say up to 500 people marched in the Flood Philly for Gaza Protest Sunday.
Several businesses were vandalized on Penn's campus, and protesters chanted calls for a Palestinian uprising against Israel.
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The two prior intifadas reshaped the politics of the Middle East and left thousands dead on both sides.
Magill has been defending herself since calls were made for her to step down, pointing out peaceful protests that have occurred among students with differing opinions while condemning hate speech, antisemitic behavior, and threats.
"We will continue to deploy all necessary resources to support any member of the community experiencing hate," she testified.
It's a necessary action, according to the executive director of UPenn Hillel, Gabe Greenberg.
"Addressing antisemitism will take a coordinated approach involving university administrators, government officials, leading Jewish organizations like Hillel, and the broader community," he told Action News in a statement.
Magill says she is committed to speaking out against antisemitism.
The university is also conducting several investigations.
Magill also mentioned the challenge of balancing free speech with student safety, which she says is her top priority.
