Ivy League Presidents Testify on Antisemitism on Campuses

University leaders defend free speech policies and outline efforts to combat rising antisemitism amid criticism from House Committee.

University presidents from Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and MIT testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding the rise of antisemitism on their campuses.
The presidents faced criticism for allegedly not doing enough to counter antisemitism, which has increased following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
The presidents defended their universities' policies on free speech and outlined efforts to combat antisemitism, including increased security at religious centers, more counseling services for students, and task forces to examine the best ways to address antisemitism.
Some committee members, particularly Republicans, criticized the universities for allowing antisemitic rhetoric and events on campus while stifling other viewpoints.
The presidents also noted a rise in Islamophobia on their campuses and emphasized the need for open debate and free expression.