Rep. Stefanik Grills Harvard President Over Students Calling For ‘Intifada’ On Campus

CHAIR: “You’re recognized for five minutes.”
STEFANIK: “Dr. Gay, a Harvard student calling for the mass murder of African Americans is not protected free speech at Harvard, correct?”
GAY: “Our commitment to free speech —”
STEFANIK: “It’s a yes or no question. Is that correct? Is that OK for students to call for the mass murder of African Americans at Harvard? Is that protected free speech?”
GAY: “Our commitment to free speech extends —”
STEFANIK: “It’s a yes or no question. Let me ask you this. You are president of Harvard, so I assume you’re familiar with the term ‘intifada, correct?”
GAY: “I’ve heard that term, yes.”
STEFANIK: “And you understand that the use of the term ‘intifada’ in the context of the Israeli-Arab conflict is indeed a call for violent armed resistance against the State of Israel, including violence against civilians and the genocide of Jews. Are you aware of that?”
GAY: “That type of hateful speech is personally abhorrent to me.”
STEFANIK: “And there have been multiple marches at Harvard with students chanting quote, ‘There is only one solution, intifada revolution,’ end quote, globalize the intifada. Is that correct?”
GAY: “I’ve heard that thoughtless, reckless, and hateful language on our campus. Yes.”
STEFANIK: “So based upon your testimony, you understand that this call for intifada is to commit genocide against the Jewish people in Israel and globally, correct?”
GAY: “I will say again, that type of hateful speech is personally abhorrent to me.”
STEFANIK: “Do you believe that type of hateful speech is contrary to Harvard’s code of conduct? Or is it allowed at Harvard?”
GAY: “It is at odds with the values of Harvard. But our values also —”
STEFANIK: “Can you not say here that it is against code of conduct at Harvard?”
GAY: “We embrace a commitment to free expression even of views that are objectionable, offensive, hateful, it’s when that speech crosses into conduct that violates our policies against bullying, harassment —“ [crosstalk]
STEFANIK: “Does that speech not cross that barrier? Does that speech not call for the genocide of Jews and the elimination of Israel?”
GAY: “When that speech —”
STEFANIK: “You testified that you understand that is the definition of intifada? Is that speech according to the code of conduct or not?”
GAY: “We embrace a commitment to free expression and give a wide berth to free expression, even of views that are objectionable, outrageous and offensive.”
STEFANIK: “You and I both know that’s not the case. You are aware that Harvard ranked dead last when it came to free speech. Are you not aware of that report?”
GAY: “As I observed earlier, I reject that characterization of our campus.”
STEFANIK: “It’s — the data shows it’s true. And isn’t it true that Harvard previously rescinded multiple offers of admissions for applicants and accepted freshmen for sharing offensive memes, racist statements, sometimes as young as 16 years old? Did Harvard not rescind those offers of admission?”
GAY: “That long predates my time as president, so I can’t speak to that.”
STEFANIK: “But you understand that Harvard made that decision to rescind those offers of admission?”
GAY: “I have no reason to contradict the facts as you present them to me.”
STEFANIK: “Correct. Because it’s a fact. You’re also aware that a Winthrop House faculty Dean was let go over — over who he chose to legally represent, correct? That was while you were Dean.”
GAY: “That is an incorrect characterization of what transpire —”
STEFANIK: “What’s the characterization?”
GAY: “I’m not going to get into details about a personnel matter.”
STEFANIK: “Well, let me ask you this. Will admissions offers be rescinded or any disciplinary action be taken against students or applicants who say, from the river to the sea or intifada, advocating for the murder of Jews?”
GAY: “As I’ve said, that type of hateful, reckless, offensive speech is personally abhorrent to me.” [crosstalk]
STEFANIK: “And today that no action —”
GAY: “When —”
STEFANIK: “— will be taken, what action will be taken?”
GAY: “— when speech crosses into conduct that violates our policies, including policies against bullying, harassment, or intimidation, we take action, and we have robust disciplinary processes that allow us to hold individuals accountable.”
STEFANIK: “What action has been taken against students who are harassing and calling for the genocide of Jews on Harvard’s campus?”
GAY: “I can assure you we have robust disciplinary processes —“ [crosstalk]
STEFANIK: “What actions have been taken? “
GAY: “— with actions under way.”
STEFANIK: “I’m not asking — I’m asking what actions have been taken against those students?”
GAY: “Given — given rights to privacy and our obligations under FERPA, I will not say more about any specific cases other than to reiterate that processes are ongoing.”
STEFANIK: “Do you know what the number one hate crime in America is?”
GAY: “I know that over the last couple of months there has been an alarming rise of anti-Semitism which is understand is the critical topic that we are here to discuss.”
STEFANIK: “That’s correct. It is anti-Jewish hate crimes. And Harvard ranks the lowest when it comes to protecting Jewish students. This is why I’ve called for your resignation. And your testimony today not being able to answer with moral clarity speaks volumes. I yield back.”
CHAIR: “Gentlewoman yields back.”