UPenn state funding stripped as fallout over antisemitism testimony continues

[Karah Rucker]

FALLOUT AT U-PENN CONTINUES.

NOW – STATE FUNDING IS BEING STRIPPED FROM THE UNIVERSITY AS THE LATEST CONSEQUENCE OF THE NOW **FORMER PRESIDENT’S TESTIMONY ON CAPITOL HILL LAST WEEK ON ANTI-SEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.

[Liz Magill | UPenn president]

“If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment, yes.”

[Rep. Elise Stefanik]

“I am asking specifically calling for the genocide of Jews. Does that constitute bullying or harassment?”

[Liz Magill]

“If it is directed and severe or pervasive, it is harassment.”

[Karah Rucker]

AS A RESULT OF EX-PRESIDENT LIZ MAGILL UNABLE TO CONDEMN THE “CALLING FOR THE GENOCIDE OF JEWS” AS A VIOLATION OF SCHOOL POLICY –

ALONG WITH A RISE IN PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTS ON CAMPUS THAT HAVE – **AT TIMES** –

LED TO ANTI-SEMITIC CHANTS –

THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS TAKING ACTION.

THE UNIVERSITY’S VETERINARY SCHOOL HAS BEEN DENIED FUNDING AFTER REPUBLICANS IN THE STATE VOTED AGAINST LEGISLATION THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED THE VET-SCHOOL $33 MILLION DOLLARS.

IT’S MONEY THAT IS TYPICALLY APPROPRIATED TO THE UNIVERSITY FROM THE STATE EVERY YEAR –

AND MAKES UP ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF THE PROGRAM’S TOTAL BUDGET.

A SIGNIFICANT CUT –

THAT COULD MARK JUST THE BEGINNING OF LEGISLATIVE ACTION AGAINST ANTI-SEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.

PENNSYLVANIA’S HOUSE MINORITY LEADER BRYAN CUTLER SAYS

[HOUSE MINORITY LEADER BRYAN CUTLER]

“Until more is done at the university in terms of rooting out, calling out and making an official stance on antisemitism being against the values of the university, I cannot in good conscience support this funding.”

[Karah Rucker]

STATE HOUSE REPUBLICANS HAVE BEGUN DRAFTING LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REQUIRE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA THAT RECEIVE STATE FUNDING TO ADOPT AN OFFICIAL CODE OF CONDUCT THAT MAKES IT CLEAR “CALLING FOR GENOCIDE” IS CONSIDERED BULLYING OR HARASSMENT AND **AGAINST SCHOOL POLICY.