Elon Musk Calls for Defunding Harvard Amidst Backlash

Elon Musk's Recommendation

Elon Musk believes that defunding Harvard is the solution to the ongoing controversy surrounding the college. Musk made this recommendation in response to a post on X about the college's president, Claudine Gay, and her recent congressional testimony. The recommendation comes as Gay faces calls to resign over her handling of on-campus antisemitism.

Harvard Board in a Difficult Position

C. Bradley Thompson, a political science professor at Clemson University, wrote on X, "The Harvard Board is now stuck between a rock & a hard place: if they fire Gay (also now accused of plagiarism) the faculty will be in revolt; if they keep her, the university will be saddled with a national disgrace." Musk replied, "Defunding Harvard is the only thing that will work." He further called for the removal of the entire Harvard governing board, stating, "Shame on the board. They all need to go."

Criticism of Claudine Gay

Claudine Gay has faced heavy criticism for her remarks during a recent congressional hearing on on-campus antisemitism. She was repeatedly questioned about whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated the university's rules on bullying and harassment. Gay, along with counterparts from MIT and the University of Pennsylvania, did not provide clear condemnations of the genocide. Musk and other business executives, including Bill Ackman, expressed their disappointment with their evasive responses.

Elon Musk's Personal Connection to the Issue

As an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, Elon Musk may have felt particularly strong about the matter. Musk graduated from the university in 1997 with dual degrees in physics and economics. He expressed his disappointment with Gay's handling of the situation, stating, "I am a Penn alum and this is indeed shameful."

Resignation of Liz Magill

Following pressure from alumni and donors, Liz Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania, resigned from her position. This resignation has emboldened critics of Claudine Gay, who are now calling for her removal as well.

Support for Gay from Faculty and Alumni

Despite the backlash, Gay has received support from faculty members and the Harvard Alumni Association. Over 500 current faculty members have signed an open letter urging the board not to remove her. The Harvard Alumni Association Executive Committee has also asked the governing boards to stand by Gay, stating that she is the right leader to address antisemitism effectively and courageously.

Continued Calls for Gay's Resignation

Bill Ackman, in his third open letter to Harvard's leadership, reiterated his call for Claudine Gay to resign. Musk expressed his support for Ackman's concerns, stating that the letter clearly articulates the severe concerns held by many.

Representatives for Elon Musk and Harvard did not provide immediate comments on the matter.

Original article source: Business Insider

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By: ktan@businessinsider.com (Kwan Wei Kevin Tan)
Title: Elon Musk Calls for Defunding Harvard Amidst Backlash
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-calling-for-harvard-defunding-2023-12
Published Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2023 03:52:24 +0000