ACF Condemns MIT President Sally Kornbluth’s Congressional Testimony

IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 6, 2023

Contact: Avi D. Gordon, Executive Director Alums for Campus Fairness

917-512-4585, [email protected] 

 

Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) strongly condemns Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) President Sally Kornbluth’s testimony at the December 5th House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing on antisemitism.

During the hearing, President Kornbluth was asked whether calling for genocide against Jews would be considered a violation of MIT’s code of conduct. Shockingly, she refused to explicitly affirm that such a call for violence goes against the university's policies, instead replying that it could constitute harassment “if the speech turns into conduct.”

ACF believes that universities must unequivocally condemn all forms of hate speech, including calls for violence. It is disheartening to see President Kornbluth’s failed leadership on this crucial issue as campus antisemitism skyrockets and Jewish students feel unsafe on campus.

MIT must reassess its commitment to combating antisemitism and clearly state that any form of hate speech, including calls for genocide against any group, is incompatible with its code of conduct. ACF-MIT will continue to hold President Kornbluth and the administration accountable for these efforts to protect Jewish students.

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.