Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) expressed his concerns today about the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses. McConnell highlighted alarming reactions from top universities and criticized the response from student radicals and campus leaders.

McConnell specifically mentioned a student group at Columbia University that described Hamas' attacks as the "struggle for freedom" and the faculty members who signed a letter supporting this viewpoint. He emphasized the importance of different opinions but stated that people are not entitled to different facts, noting that Hamas has been occupying Gaza since 2007.

The Republican leader also criticized the lack of protection for free speech and diverse viewpoints in America's higher education system, particularly for right-of-center academics. McConnell questioned the decision of universities to celebrate terrorism instead of promoting freedom of expression.

He then turned his attention to the University of Pennsylvania, which is facing a donor revolt over campus protests and an anti-Semitic literary festival. McConnell highlighted a six-page letter from the local chapter of the professors' union denouncing the university's pro-Israel views. He criticized the school's attempts at moral equivalency and stressed that donors' outrage at radical calls for violence should not be dismissed as coercive threats.

McConnell further emphasized the seriousness of the issue by pointing out an ongoing FBI investigation into online threats encouraging the murder of Jewish students at Cornell University. He mentioned the need for police protection at the Kosher dining hall on campus and the fear that many Jewish students are experiencing.

The Senate Republican Leader highlighted the changing landscape for universities and their reliance on donors. He mentioned that a call to boycott the University of Pennsylvania has gained significant traction, potentially causing a billion-dollar financial crisis. McConnell also noted that CEOs of major companies have pledged not to hire members of student groups at Harvard that blamed Israel for the murder of its children. Additionally, elite law firms have rescinded job offers from law students who espouse terrorist talking points.

McConnell concluded by stating that activist professors are entitled to their own opinions, but in the real world, money is also protected speech, and they are not entitled to donors' pocketbooks. He expressed hope that this awakening will continue among American business and philanthropists.

In summary, McConnell's remarks shed light on the disturbing trend of anti-Semitism on college campuses and criticized the inadequate response from student radicals, campus leaders, and university faculties. He emphasized the importance of protecting free speech and diverse viewpoints while condemning the celebration of terrorism. McConnell also highlighted the consequences that universities are facing due to donor revolts and the changing attitudes of businesses and philanthropists.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4F5B26D6-A354-43A8-96F1-D7A44D7108F3