Harvard University is facing backlash and financial ramifications after it failed to condemn the recent mass slaughter of Israelis by Hamas terrorists. The Wexner Foundation, a nonprofit started by Victoria’s Secret founder Leslie Wexner, has announced that it is cutting ties with Harvard and withdrawing its financial support. In a scathing letter to the Harvard board, the foundation expressed its shock and disgust at Harvard’s “dismal failure” to take a clear and unequivocal stance against the barbaric murders of innocent Israeli civilians.
According to the letter, the foundation was particularly appalled when over 30 student groups at Harvard issued a statement holding Israel “entirely responsible” for the violence. The foundation stated that this declaration left Israeli students feeling “abandoned” and called out Harvard’s leadership for tiptoeing, equivocating, and failing to condemn the statement swiftly.
The Wexner Foundation also cited former Harvard president Larry Summers in its letter, who expressed his disbelief at the university’s failure to disassociate itself from the student groups’ statement. This sentiment was echoed by other high-profile individuals, including Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his wife, Batia, who resigned from the executive board of Harvard Kennedy School in protest.
In its letter, the Wexner Foundation announced that it could no longer be associated with Harvard, as their core values no longer align. The loss of the foundation’s support comes as a significant blow to Harvard, which has long enjoyed a strong partnership with the Wexner Foundation and has benefited from its financial support for student scholarships.
In response to the foundation’s decision, a spokesperson for Harvard told CNN that they are grateful for the foundation’s support but did not comment on the university’s failure to condemn the student groups’ statement. However, the spokesperson did reference a video statement by university president Claudine Gay, who defended Harvard’s commitment to free expression, even when it includes views that many find objectionable.
Gay’s statement was met with criticism from alumni and executives, who deemed it a lackluster response. Former university president Larry Summers called for Harvard administrators to condemn the statement signed by the student organizations, while billionaire investor Bill Ackman urged the university to release the names of the students who signed the letter and vowed to deny them employment opportunities.
Harvard has been under fire from various individuals and groups for failing to condemn the terrorist attacks in Israel and the student groups’ statements. The university now faces significant financial repercussions, as well as damage to its reputation, as it struggles to take a strong stance on an issue that has garnered international attention and condemnation.