Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement on Harvard University’s decision to appoint Derek Penslar as co-chair of their Antisemitism Task Force continuing a disturbing trend of failing to protect Jewish and Israeli students and community members on campus.
“Harvard has become a disgraced bastion for antisemitism,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “Not only did Harvard’s leadership allow antisemitism to rage on campus as Jewish students faced incessant harassment and physical assaults, they have now shown willful negligence by appointing Derek Penslar as the co-chair to their Antisemitism Task Force. Derek Penslar is known for his despicable antisemitic views and statements. Only weeks before the deadly October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, Penslar signed a letter that called our great ally Israel “a regime of apartheid.” The indefensible decision to appoint Penslar to a task force meant to investigate antisemitism will undoubtedly lead to the undermining of this task force’s mission. It is disturbing that Harvard’s leadership continues down this path of complete and total failure to stand up for the rights and safety of Jewish and Israeli students.”
