The head of the Harvard Antisemitism Task Force backed out of a panel he was slated to participate in, saying “it would not be appropriate” for him to answer questions amid Harvard’s ongoing controversies, according to multiple reports.
The newly appointed head, Derek Penslar, pulled out of the Jewish History panel titled: “What is Antisemitism? Definitions and Debates,” according to The Washington Free Beacon. The Harvard professor has reportedly faced criticism for his indecision, especially after he signed an open letter calling Israel “a regime of apartheid.”
Why would @Harvard‘s new prez Alan Garber appoint Prof Derek Penslar to its new antisemitism task force (created to identify “the root causes” of antisemitism at Harvard)? Garber called Israel an “apartheid regime” & defended fmr prez Claudine Gay. He is a root cause!… pic.twitter.com/aYwP50mhgN
— Canary Mission (@canarymission) January 24, 2024
Many were pleased Penslar was appointed the co-chair of the Antisemitism Task Force, Haaretz reported. However, some were disgruntled that an individual who openly supported Claudine Gay while the former Harvard president refused to condemn antisemitism during a congressional hearing was appointed to such a position, according to The Free Beacon. Larry Summers, a previous president of the college, reportedly said Pensler was “unsuited” for the role. (RELATED: REP. VIRGINIA FOXX: Claudine Gay Is No Martyr)
“I am mindful of my role as co-chair of the Harvard Task Force on Combating Anti-Semitism,” Penslar explained in a statement, The Free Beacon reported. “And since at the symposium I would invariably be asked to speak about the goings on at Harvard, and since the task force is only now just being put together, and its plan of action is being formed, it would not be appropriate for me to make public comments at this time.”
Penslar was appointed by Harvard interim president Alan M. Garber, according to The Harvard Crimson.
“I am grateful for the outpouring of support I have received from my colleagues and students, and from President Garber, and I remain committed to helping advance the important work of this task force,” Penslar reportedly said via a statement.
Penslar is the director for Harvard’s Center for Jewish Studies, the outlet reported. The professor was reportedly faced with backlash from former faculty, donors and individuals in the academic community. Penslar considered stepping down as co-chair, but conversations involving fellow Harvard faculty convinced him to continue in the position, according to the outlet.
Infamous Jew-hater Derek Penslar drops out of NYC panel on antisemitism b/c didn’t want to discuss.
Yet he is co-chair of Harvard’s Presidential Task Force on Combating Anti-Semitism.
Harvard is done. https://t.co/u0A2cp8f2c
— DeMario (@DJDeMario1) January 29, 2024
Penslar’s explanation did not forestall criticism of his apparent unwillingness to speak publicly regarding the issue on social media.