Penn President Liz Magill Faces Backlash as University Board of Trustees Holds Emergency Meeting

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
07/12/2023 23h18

The meeting, which took place virtually on Thursday morning, aimed to discuss the remarks made by Magill and determine their alignment with the views and values of the board and the university.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who attended a Chanukah candlelighting event at Penn Hillel, emphasized the need for strong leadership and concrete action on campus, stating that President Magill failed the test of moral clarity during her congressional testimony. Shapiro revealed that he had spoken to Magill and Board Chairman Scott Bok multiple times since the Palestine Writes Literature Festival, offering constructive feedback on steps to ensure a safe environment for all students.

The national backlash against Magill intensified with 1991 Wharton graduate Ross Stevens announcing the withdrawal of a $100 million gift to the university. Stevens alleged that the university violated anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies within the limited partnership agreement, accusing Magill of enabling antisemitism and harassment. In a letter obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian, Stevens emphasized the need for a change in leadership and values at Penn, threatening to rescind the shares to avoid further reputational damage to his organization, Stone Ridge Holdings Group, should the situation not be rectified promptly.

Despite these developments, Magill remains president of Penn according to sources cited by The Philadelphia Inquirer. The executive committee of the board held a luncheon following the trustees' meeting, and it is yet to be confirmed whether Magill will continue in her position.

During the congressional hearing, Magill's response to a question about calls for the genocide of Jewish people being in violation of Penn's code of conduct sparked widespread criticism. She stated that it was "context dependent" and that if speech turned into conduct, it could be considered harassment. This statement drew condemnation from alumni, students, Penn Hillel, the White House, Gov. Shapiro, and Pennsylvania's United States Senate delegation.

The university's "Free Speech FAQs" outline guidelines on hate speech, clarifying that disciplinary action can only be taken if inflammatory speech intentionally provokes immediate violent and unlawful action. Magill expressed regret for her remarks and pledged to evaluate Penn's policies on hate speech in a video released on Wednesday evening.

As the controversy surrounding Magill continues to unfold, the university community eagerly awaits further updates regarding the board's stance and potential actions to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders.

The executive committee luncheon scheduled for 12 p.m. is expected to provide additional insights into the university's next course of action.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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