Harvard Mired in Controversy Following Student Statement Criticizing Israel

Harvard and other universities have drawn political and media attention since nearly three dozen Harvard student organizations released a statement blaming Israel’s “apartheid regime” for “all unfolding violence” from Hamas’ attacks.

Harvard’s Response: Harvard president Claudine Gay declined to punish the students on Friday, saying, “while our students have the right to speak for themselves, no student group — not even 30 student groups — speaks for Harvard University or its leadership.” The same day, an Israeli billionaire and his wife quit the university’s executive board, citing a “lack of clear evidence of support from the University's leadership for the people of Israel.” 

The ‘Doxxing Truck’: On Tuesday, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman called on Harvard to release the names of students involved in organizations that published the statement, so he and other CEOs wouldn’t “inadvertently hire” them. The students’ names were posted online, and on Wednesday, two mobile-billboard trucks began circling Harvard campus, displaying the students’ names and labeling them “Harvard’s Leading Antisemites.”

How the Media Covered It: News and opinion coverage was widespread across the spectrum. Left-rated outlets appeared more likely to report that the students were “doxxed.” Right-rated outlets appeared more likely to frame the students negatively and highlight their critics.