Stanford University leadership has come under growing criticism for its failure to unequivocally condemn Hamas attacks on Israel and recent acts of anti-Semitism on campus.
To date, more than 1,400 people have signed an open letter to interim President Richard Saller and Provost Jenny Martinez. The list includes Menlo Ventures partner Shawn Carolan and tech luminaries from Latin America, including David Velez and Marcos Galperin.
“As students, graduates, faculty, and staff of the University, we are proud to represent Stanford around the world as an inclusive institution that promotes community, excellence, and leadership,” the letter reads. “Your role in this case “This failure shakes our confidence in the moral resolve of Stanford’s leadership and its ability to uphold these values and guide the community in our darkest hour.”
College campuses across the United States have torn apart Since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and its response in Gaza, there have been divisions over free speech, academic freedom and anti-Semitic claims. The letter to Stanford cited several incidents on campus, such as “hateful and anti-Semitic” messages displayed on banners and chalk lettering, and the removal of posters bearing images of people abducted in attacks.
At Penn, a group of donors and alumni required School leaders resigned.At Harvard, billionaire donors withdraw support, while HBS alum Mitt Romney and hedge fund manager Seth Klarman publish an open letter accuse The school ignored the safety of Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests on campus.Investor Leon Cooperman explain He will no longer donate to Columbia University due to anti-Israel protests.
The Stanford letter calls on Sall and Martinez to unequivocally condemn anti-Semitism and Hamas attacks and take concrete actions to ensure the safety of Jewish and Israeli students, faculty and staff. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
Stanford University did not respond to a request for comment.Issued by university leaders statement 11 October condemned “all terrorism and mass atrocities. This includes Hamas’ deliberate attacks on civilians this weekend.”
A non-teaching instructor at the Palo Alto, Calif., school was also pause This month, students were allegedly singled out based on their background when discussing events in Israel.
The letter said Stanford’s current actions are inconsistent with its previous statements, including “the plight of Black Americans in the wake of the brutal murder of George Floyd,” when former President Marc Tessier-Lavigne expressed his concern for A thorough understanding of this issue.
Tessier-Lavigne resigned in July following a review of shortcomings in his scientific research, and the university is currently searching for a new president.
Kfir Gavrieli, co-founder of Los Angeles-based women’s shoe brand Tieks and one of the letter’s signatories, expressed hope that the next Stanford University president can address the concerns of the Jewish and Israeli communities.Gabrieli holds multiple degrees Stanford Universityincluding bachelor’s degrees in economics, science and engineering, and master’s degrees in business administration.
“Our letter is not just a letter saying we think you did something wrong and could have done it better,” Gavrielli said in an interview. “This is a very firm letter stating that we feel we cannot continue to work with Stanford University because it no longer feels like home to us.”
In addition to cutting off donations, Gavrielli said it also means no longer contributing to research, interviewing students or overall support for the school.
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