Penn president Elizabeth Magill resigns amid backlash over congressional hearing comments – ABC News
The University of Pennsylvania’s President, Liz Magill, resigned amidst a public outcry following her controversial testimony on antisemitism before Congress. Facing significant backlash for her failure to unequivocally condemn calls for the genocide of Jews, Magill decided to step down amid pressure from alumni, elected officials, and the looming possibility of being ousted by the school’s board of trustees. The decision came after donor Ross Stevens rescinded a $100 million gift, the Wharton business school board requested her resignation, and an emergency meeting of the university’s board of trustees was convened.
Magill, who will remain a tenured faculty member at Penn Carey Law, expressed regret in her resignation statement and pledged to stay until an interim president is appointed. The controversy centered on her Congressional testimony, where she hesitated to state clearly whether antisemitic chants and calls for genocide violated the school’s code of conduct. The incident prompted condemnation, a rescinded donation, and raised concerns about the handling of antisemitism on campus, ultimately leading to Magill’s resignation.
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