Commentary
I completed my studies at Yale University in 1974. As a first-generation American, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, and one of the early female students admitted to this prestigious institution, I cannot adequately express the gratitude I felt for the opportunity. I have cherished the moments of returning to campus over the years, even witnessing both of my children graduate from Yale.
However, as my 50th class reunion approaches, I find it challenging to muster the same sense of pride and dedication I once had. Unfortunately, the university, along with similar institutions, has veered off course to such an extent that I cannot in good conscience participate in what should have been a celebratory event.
Several troubling incidents have unfolded at Yale in recent times, such as students causing uproar over Halloween costumes or law students displaying their oratory skills by shouting down a visiting conservative lawyer. While these events made me shake my head, they did not fundamentally alter my sense of pride in being an alumna.
However, my pride has waned in light of pro-Hamas groups occupying parts of the campus and Jewish students facing harassment, intimidation, and, in one instance, a student being stabbed in the eye with a Palestinian flag. As the daughter of the only Holocaust survivor elected to the U.S. Congress and as an American citizen, I am deeply disappointed by the culture that has been fostered, normalized, and tolerated at an esteemed institution that should know better.
Regrettably, this culture is not unique to Yale. In a way, the responsibility lies with the numerous openly anti-Semitic students and professors present in elite universities nationwide. This is not merely “anti-Zionism.” Anti-Zionism, which includes advocating for the destruction of the Jewish homeland and perpetuating the demonization and double standards against Israel, is a more palatable form of anti-Semitism.
On another note, the students and professors advocating for resistance and glorifying the events of Oct. 7 are not solely at fault; the administrations of these institutions also bear significant responsibility. Yale’s leadership has shown great concern and support for various minority and marginalized groups on campus, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against any form of hatred or discrimination towards them. However, this same level of vigilance has been notably absent in defending Jewish students on campus.
While FIRE ranks Yale poorly in terms of its free-speech environment, attacks targeting Israel seem to transform administrators into champions of free speech. Regardless of how hateful, inciteful, or genocidal the rhetoric against Israeli Jews may be, Yale appears extremely cautious about limiting the right to express such hatred without facing consequences.
Although there are carefully crafted statements from school leadership that attempt to downplay the injustices rather than address them head-on, they often feel like automated responses designed to avoid offending the offenders. Where are the strong and unequivocal condemnations of those celebrating the genocidal acts of Hamas? Where is the visible support from President Salovey standing in solidarity with Jewish students facing the onslaught of hate on campus?
My late father, Congressman Tom Lantos, witnessed firsthand the atrocities suffered by the Jewish people during the Holocaust when they were abandoned to the mercy of others. Today, I see shades of this same evil as university leaders stand idly by while egregious libels and threats are hurled not only at the Jewish homeland and its defenders but also at anyone of Jewish descent.
For years, I eagerly anticipated the milestone of my 50th college reunion. However, given the current circumstances, I cannot in good conscience celebrate my cherished alma mater until it rediscovers its moral compass and vocalizes its defense of our most cherished civilizational values. This will require university leaders to reject the trend of silencing opposing viewpoints while also dismissing the notion that glorifying violence against Jews is simply an exercise of free speech.
To my fellow alumni who share my concerns, I implore you to stand with me in withholding support from an institution that has strayed from its core principles. Consider skipping the reunion, refraining from financial contributions, and encouraging your children or grandchildren to seek education elsewhere. Despite what the campus occupiers may suggest, violence and chaos are not the only means of making a statement. There are still peaceful and respectful ways to express even the most fervent beliefs. I hope that many of us will opt for such avenues during this pivotal moment in Yale’s history.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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