At a recent congressional hearing on antisemitism, a profoundly disturbing issue was laid bare, highlighting the moral and ethical failures in some of our elite educational institutions. The presidents of Harvard, MIT, and Penn were asked a critical question under oath: Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate their university’s code of conduct regarding bullying or harassment? The answers they provided, as pointed out by investor Bill Ackman, were shockingly inadequate, reflecting a deep moral bankruptcy within these prestigious institutions.

According to Ackman, the presidents’ responses were evasive, suggesting that the condemnation of such hate speech ‘depends on the context’ and whether it escalates into actual conduct. This stance is alarming. When it comes to genocide – the deliberate attempt to exterminate a particular group – context should never be a factor in condemnation. The hesitation to outright condemn such statements is a dangerous precedent, especially in educational environments responsible for shaping future leaders.

The responses given by Presidents Gay, Magill, and Kornbluth are indicative of a larger problem – the failure of leadership. Leaders, particularly in education, have a responsibility to uphold and impart clear moral and ethical standards. The tolerance or ambiguity towards hate speech, especially of a kind that incites violence or genocide, is unacceptable. If a CEO in a corporate setting expressed such views, they would be immediately dismissed. Why should our educational leaders be held to a lower standard?

In contrast to the university presidents, the congressional leaders, including Representative Elise Stefanik, demonstrated moral clarity and leadership. They repeatedly sought clear answers, reflecting the seriousness with which such issues should be addressed. Their conduct was exemplary of how government and democratic institutions should function – with a commitment to upholding ethical standards and confronting bigotry head-on.

Ackman’s concern about the explosion of antisemitism on campuses and around the world is deeply connected to the leadership’s stance on such issues. When leaders of top educational institutions imply that genocide could be context-dependent, they contribute to a culture where antisemitism and hate speech can fester and grow. This is not only a failure of leadership but a failure in their duty to educate and instill values in the next generation.

The testimony of these university presidents is a wake-up call. Their inability to categorically condemn calls for genocide without equivocation is a glaring indication that change is needed. The resignation of these leaders, as suggested by Ackman, may be a necessary step in reaffirming the ethical standards we expect in educational leadership. It’s time to hold these leaders accountable and ensure that our institutions of higher learning are helmed by individuals who unequivocally oppose hate and bigotry in all forms.

The moral bankruptcy displayed at the congressional hearing is a cause for serious concern. It underlines the need for decisive and clear moral leadership in our educational institutions. As members of a free society, we must demand that our educational leaders not only impart knowledge but also uphold and instill the highest ethical and moral standards. The future of our society depends on it.