Austrian business school severs affiliation with Harvard University in support of Jewish student community
The Lauder Business School in Vienna, Austria, has ended its affiliation with Harvard University as a show of support for the Jewish student community, as stated by the institution
Lauder Business School in Vienna, Austria, has cut its connections with Harvard University "in support of the Jewish student community," as stated by the institution.
"We have been an affiliate of Professor Michael Porter's Microeconomics of Competitiveness Network at Harvard University since 2014, and have found great value in our collaboration over the years," said Daniella Sheinfeld, head of communications for Lauder Business School. "However, due to recent developments, we have chosen to end our involvement in this network."
Earlier this month, the statement was first seen in a Facebook post. The Jerusalem Post had previously reported on the severed ties. Harvard has been dealing with multiple issues, such as its handling of increasing antisemitism on campus, allegations of plagiarism against President Claudine Gay, and a decline in early admissions applications. A Harvard spokesperson did not provide any comments in response to requests.
The Lauder Business School, established by billionaire Ronald Lauder, integrates Judaism into its academic program, aiming to provide a space for spiritual growth for its Jewish students. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of Judaism, while also pursuing a diverse range of courses in liberal arts, fostering a vibrant and stimulating learning environment.
Billionaire Ronald Lauder established the school in 2003 and is known for leveraging his influence across Ivy League Schools. Lauder, an heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics company, is a significant financial supporter of the University of Pennsylvania. In October, he issued a strong ultimatum, threatening to cease donations unless the school takes stronger action against antisemitism.
Lauder Business School has stated that they have no affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania. The school's representative has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Penn, along with other American universities such as Harvard, has been facing a growing issue of antisemitism on campus. The university has had its own challenges, and tensions rose even further after the October 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel. Some donors became angry with the administration due to a Palestinian literary festival that was held on campus. Lauder, along with prominent donors like Marc Rowan and former US ambassador Jon Huntsman, also expressed their discontent.
After months of pressure, UPenn president Liz Magill resigned, following a widely criticized Congressional hearing with Gay and MIT president Sally Kornbluth.
