Sarasota, Fla.
Anti-Semitism has reared its ugly head at Harvard. Since Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre of some 1,400 Israelis, Jewish students there have reportedly been bullied, intimidated, spat on and, in at least one case, physically assaulted. Student-led protests call for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people with chants of “Intifada! Intifada! Intifada!” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free!”
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Bill Ackman, a Harvard alumnus and hedge-fund manager urged the university to act swiftly, but I wouldn’t hold my breath and neither should its students.
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Instead, those facing intolerance or physical danger at Harvard should come to New College of Florida, where they can study with free tuition thanks to a newly established scholarship program.
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They will find that we prize free speech and condemn violence. Since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed six new members to our school’s board of trustees in January, we’ve vigorously protected free expression on campus. We have enacted measures to stop ideological gate-keeping and enforce disciplinary actions against violence and threats.
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Authentic free speech is essential on any campus. That includes understanding that the First Amendment wasn’t intended to include, as Mr. Ackman described it, “knowingly advocating . . . violent insurrection and threatening a person or group of persons with the intent of placing the victim in fear of bodily harm or death.” New College is committed to the civil exploration of ideas. Violence isn’t part of that and never will be.
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Anyone suffering injustices at Harvard should visit our campus to learn about academic life in Florida—now on offer with free tuition.
Additional Materials:
Bill Ackman’s letter referenced can be read by clicking here.
New College was among the first public universities to announce “unequivocal” support of Israel.