Wow. It is so refreshing to actually see someone rethink and recalculate their support based on core values. This is absolutely amazing and I am forever thankful and proud of you. I feel heard and supported. It takes courage and very clear values to do and write this. You did what’s right. Thank you for standing up for what’s right
Organizations like colleges, religious and even businesses are certainly aware of how things look and when they are on the wrong side of history. Penn knew full well how such a rehearsed legal sounding statement would sound. Alumni have every right to pull their support in situations like this. Blind loyalty -sadly, a symptom of blind ignorance.
Just when I thought my “you need to get a sports team you can be loyal to” response to political partisanship was perfect, we run into reminders that blind loyalty to anything, including a university, a collegiate team or even a professional sports team may need some examination from time to time!
I guess I have to disagree with your perspective. My approach to loyalty will have me double down on my efforts to help Penn be and do better. Both of my children graduated from Penn; I worked there as an administrator in the 1990’s and I am currently an adjunct professor (of higher ed management, no less) in the Penn Graduate School of Education. I’m also a child of Holocaust survivors and served on the Penn Hillel board for a decade. My loyalty to Penn requires that I offer suggestions for improvements, make sure that whatever influences I have with faculty and staff there enable good ideas to flourish and continue to speak up broadly on ways to address antisemitism, anti-Zionism and anti-Israeli efforts. I will also continue my critique of Israel where warranted. I encourage you to consider expanding your advocacy for better Penn leadership and action. Continue to write checks (if you do) but, perhaps for now, direct them to Penn Hillel or other departments at Penn doing the work that needs to be done.
Extremely well stated. Especially loved the part about supporting candidates that align with your values, not a "party". Thank you for writing this!
Totally respect your courage and commitment to your values. Excellent writing, and great lessons. Thank you!
Well said,
Wow. It is so refreshing to actually see someone rethink and recalculate their support based on core values. This is absolutely amazing and I am forever thankful and proud of you. I feel heard and supported. It takes courage and very clear values to do and write this. You did what’s right. Thank you for standing up for what’s right
Organizations like colleges, religious and even businesses are certainly aware of how things look and when they are on the wrong side of history. Penn knew full well how such a rehearsed legal sounding statement would sound. Alumni have every right to pull their support in situations like this. Blind loyalty -sadly, a symptom of blind ignorance.
Bravo on an excellent column and on your stand regarding Penn.
Just when I thought my “you need to get a sports team you can be loyal to” response to political partisanship was perfect, we run into reminders that blind loyalty to anything, including a university, a collegiate team or even a professional sports team may need some examination from time to time!
I guess I have to disagree with your perspective. My approach to loyalty will have me double down on my efforts to help Penn be and do better. Both of my children graduated from Penn; I worked there as an administrator in the 1990’s and I am currently an adjunct professor (of higher ed management, no less) in the Penn Graduate School of Education. I’m also a child of Holocaust survivors and served on the Penn Hillel board for a decade. My loyalty to Penn requires that I offer suggestions for improvements, make sure that whatever influences I have with faculty and staff there enable good ideas to flourish and continue to speak up broadly on ways to address antisemitism, anti-Zionism and anti-Israeli efforts. I will also continue my critique of Israel where warranted. I encourage you to consider expanding your advocacy for better Penn leadership and action. Continue to write checks (if you do) but, perhaps for now, direct them to Penn Hillel or other departments at Penn doing the work that needs to be done.