Controversial Harvard Students: The Anti-Israel Statement That Went Viral
Billboards & online platforms showcased names and faces of Harvard students whose organizations signed a statement holding Israel responsible for the recent attacks by Hamas This controversial display near campus sparked conversations on the conflict's perspectives and generated significant attention
On Wednesday, a billboard truck drove near Harvard's campus, showcasing the names and photos of Harvard students from organizations that signed a statement attributing the blame solely to Israel for the fatal attacks carried out by Hamas. The appearance of this truck, dubbed the "doxxing truck," occurred shortly after the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups, a coalition of student groups at Harvard, released a statement earlier in the week holding the Israeli government entirely accountable for the ongoing violence. These attacks by Hamas have resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and more than 25 American citizens. Additionally, more than 1,400 people in Gaza have lost their lives since Israel initiated strikes on Gaza in response to the deadly Hamas attack.
After facing severe backlash, a number of students and their respective groups have disassociated themselves or retracted their support for the aforementioned statement. It has been revealed that some individuals signed the statement without having read its contents.
Under the banner stating "Harvard's Leading Antisemites," a conservative nonprofit arranged for a truck to display virtual billboards showcasing the names and images of students. However, CNN cannot confirm independently whether the students mentioned were actually involved in writing the letter.
On X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the president of the group stated that they are currently removing the names of students from groups who have withdrawn, but are also constantly adding new names. The Jewish student organization, Hillel, at the University denounced the billboard truck and any efforts to intimidate those who have signed.
Harvard Hillel vehemently denounces all efforts to threaten and intimidate the co-signatories of the Palestine Solidarity Committees statement. This includes the bus on campus that exposes the names and images of students associated with the groups who have endorsed it. Our organization has expressed our strong opposition to the PSCs statement and we insist on holding those who have signed it accountable. However, it is crucial to emphasize that no one should be subjected to public intimidation as a means of achieving this accountability.
Harvard legal scholar Laurence Tribe criticized the efforts to reveal the identities of the students, stating in an email to CNN that labeling them as antisemites and publicly sharing their photos to make them targets is not helpful and poses a greater risk than benefit. Tribe further emphasized the importance of avoiding the mistakes made during the McCarthy era in the pursuit of ethical transparency.
As a result of the increasing criticism, by Wednesday afternoon, the Harvard Crimson student newspaper reported that at least eight out of the initial 34 Harvard student groups who had initially signed the statement have retracted their support.
This change in stance from a few student groups occurred following the request of billionaire hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman and other prominent business figures, who urged Harvard University to disclose the names of students who signed the statement in order to avoid employing them.
Famed economist and former Harvard President Larry Summers, who criticized the statement, emphasized the importance of refraining from vilifying individuals during this time. He urged everyone to take a moment to calm down and explained that many individuals within these groups were unaware of the statement before its release. Moreover, Summers suggested that some who approved the statement may not have fully comprehended its contents and may have acted naively or foolishly.
Harvard University stands in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 6, 2023.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
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Harvard responded to CNN's request for comment on the doxxing truck by referring to a letter from Executive Vice President Meredith Weenick. In this letter, Weenick emphasized the university's commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its community. She stated that Harvard does not support or overlook intimidation, threats, or acts of harassment or violence.
The Harvard University Police Department has increased security on campus and is actively monitoring online activity for any potential threats to the campus community or individuals. Weenick's memo also includes a link to resources on cyber harassment and other electronic threats.
-CNNs Matt Egan contributed to this report.
