By Melissa Limani
Nine months after her resignation as University of Pennsylvania’s (Penn) president, Liz Magill is set to take on research-focused positions at Harvard and LSE. According to her CV she will serve as a visiting professor at LSE Law School from 2024 to 2027. Her role will be primarily research-based, temporary and unpaid, without any teaching responsibilities.
Magill, named Penn’s ninth president in January 2022, previously worked at the University of Virginia, where she held the roles of provost and executive vice president. However, her presidency at Penn was cut short in December 2023 after substantial criticism and pressure from community members, key donors, and politicians.
The controversy stemmed from her handling of the Palestine Writes Literature Festival and escalating tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The festival, which took place last September and celebrates itself as the “only North American literature festival dedicated to celebrating and promoting cultural productions of Palestinian writers and artists,” sparked fear and outrage amongst some Penn students, alumni and community members as well as national Jewish groups who criticised the inclusion of speakers with alleged anti-semitic histories.
As evidence of their anger, on 22 September 2023 over 200 Penn community members, including students, signed a letter claiming the event breached University standards and would foster a “hostile” environment for Jewish students.
The situation intensified following Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7 2023, culminating in a congressional hearing where Rep. Elise Stefanik repeatedly questioned Magill about whether “calling for the genocide of Jews” would violate Penn’s code of conduct, to which Magill responded, “If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment, yes.” When pressed further, she clarified that it was “a context-dependent decision”.
In response to her statements, Magill faced widespread criticism from the White House, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, members of Congress, and university donors. One major donor, Ross Stevens, threatened to pull a $100 million gift unless Magill was replaced, citing Penn’s “stance on antisemitism”. This ultimately led to her resignation on 9 December 2023.
In the aftermath political figures like Rep. Jason Smith have continued to press universities, including Harvard, for plans to ensure the protection of Jewish students from anti-semitic harassment.
