Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has announced his withdrawal from two fellowships at Harvard University following what he called "Harvard's failure to immediately and forcefully denounce the anti-Semitic vitriol" on campus. The decision comes after over 30 student groups released a statement blaming Israel for the surprise Oct. 7 Hamas attack, sparking criticism and backlash from prominent political alumni.

Hogan had previously offered to participate in fellowships at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, but he chose to withdraw those offers on Monday. In a letter addressed to Harvard President Claudine Gay, Hogan expressed his strong disapproval of the university's response to the anti-Semitic remarks, stating, "I cannot condone the dangerous anti-Semitism that has taken root on your campus." He further emphasized that while students have a right to free speech, hate speech should not go unchallenged by the institution.

Harvard University has yet to respond to POLITICO's request for comment on the matter. However, in the midst of mounting criticism, Gay released a statement condemning the actions of Hamas and emphasizing that no student group, even those comprising 30 student groups, speaks on behalf of Harvard or its leadership.

Hogan's withdrawal from the fellowships at Harvard highlights the broader implications universities face in their response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The controversy often pits wealthy donors against college presidents and students against staff, creating a challenging environment for universities across the country.

Larry Hogan served as Maryland governor for two terms, from 2015 to January of this year. He has been vocal about his intentions for 2024 and has not ruled out a potential run for president on a third-party ticket. Despite not being widely recognized on the national stage, Hogan has garnered popularity among voters spanning the political spectrum.

The decision to withdraw from the Harvard fellowships showcases Hogan's commitment to addressing anti-Semitism and his hope that it will prompt Harvard to take meaningful action in addressing the issue and restoring the institution's core values.