THREAD: upenn president

DEPAUL University UNDER Fire: Jewish Students’ Attack Sparks Outrage

02 April 2025 — Lawyers for two Jewish students attacked at DEPAUL University will hold a press conference on April 2, 2025. They plan to announce a significant development in the case. The incident occurred last November, and criticism has mounted over the university’s response.

The Lawfare Project has accused DEPAUL of not adequately addressing the attack or ensuring Jewish students’ safety. Lead attorney Jaclyn Clark stated, “DEPAUL University failed to protect Max and Michael when they were viciously attacked by masked assailants last fall.” She emphasized that the university’s lack of action is unacceptable.

Photos of the suspects were released shortly after the attack, yet no arrests have been made. The press conference will occur outside the Daley Center at 10 a.m., featuring Senior Counsel Gerard Filitti and victims Max Long and Michael Kaminsky. They aim to discuss their next legal steps regarding this troubling incident.

TRUMP DOJ’S Powerful Move: Deportation of Anti-Israel Activist Stuns Campus

25 March 2025 — The Department of Justice under President TRUMP is moving to deport Momodou TAAL, a Cornell student known for his anti-Israel protests. Court documents show that TAAL, who has dual citizenship in the UK and Gambia, is being asked to surrender to immigration authorities.

Eric Lee, TAAL’s attorney, slammed Trump’s actions as an “urgent threat of dictatorship.” He confirmed receiving notice from the DOJ about deportation proceedings and an invitation for TAAL to appear at ICE’s Syracuse office.

TAAL has been outspoken on social media since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, showing support for “resistance” against Israel and criticizing the U.S. Despite being on a student visa since 2022, he has called for "the end of the US empire.

A rally at Cornell University saw hundreds supporting TAAL last week, although he was not present. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), TAAL assured followers of his safety and readiness for court proceedings.

TRUMP’S BOLD Move: Plans to Shut Down Education Department

20 March 2025 — President Donald Trump intends to sign an executive order to close the U.S. Education Department. He believes this will cut federal spending by eliminating unnecessary departments. Critics argue it could harm public education, while supporters think it will boost local control. SHOCKING Shooting in Monessen: Community on EDGE

A shooting took place on Knox Avenue in Monessen, Westmoreland County this morning. Emergency responders confirmed one person was shot, but the victim’s condition is unknown. Authorities are investigating and urge anyone with information to come forward as no suspects are in custody yet. DEVASTATING Fire DAMAGES Home in Westmoreland County

Early Thursday morning, a fire damaged a home in Monessen, Westmoreland County. Firefighters contained the flames with no reported injuries, but the house suffered significant damage. The cause remains under investigation as crews ensure the fire does not reignite. TRUMP’s CONTROVERSIAL Proposal: US Control Over Ukraine’s POWER PLANTS

In a call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, President Trump suggested U.S. control over Ukraine’s power plants to stabilize tensions with Russia and ensure energy security for Ukraine. This proposal has sparked controversy over its impact on Ukraine’s sovereignty and international relations.

HOSPITAL HORROR: Heroic Police Officer Killed in Pennsylvania Shooting

23 February 2025 — A tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, left a police officer and a gunman dead on Saturday morning. The incident happened around 10:45 a.m., leading to an emergency response to an “active threat” call.

Officer Andrew Duarte was identified as the fallen officer by the West York Borough Facebook page. The community shared deep condolences for Duarte’s family and colleagues, mourning the loss of what they called a hero.

Hospital spokesperson Susan Manko confirmed that no patients were injured during the incident. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the gunman involved in this tragic event.

PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL Tragedy: Officer Killed in Shocking Shooting

22 February 2025 — A Pennsylvania police officer was killed during a shooting at a local hospital. The gunman also died, causing chaos inside the facility. Authorities are investigating and will update as more details come out.

This tragedy raises concerns about safety in public spaces and rising gun violence. Local officials are discussing better security for hospitals and other vulnerable places.

The shooting happens amid national debates on gun control and public safety. Officials have offered condolences to the officer’s family while promising to tackle the root causes of such violence.

This incident highlights the urgent need for dialogue on law enforcement and public safety in today’s socio-political climate.

CRIME WAVE Rocks America: Fear And Chaos Unleashed

16 January 2025 — An American man has been sent back from France to the U.S. to face assault charges involving a student from Pennsylvania. This case shines a light on ongoing worries about campus safety and its impact on communities. U.S. authorities are preparing for prosecution, though details are still under wraps.

In Los Angeles, nine people have been charged with looting homes in areas hit by wildfires, with one also facing an arson charge. The District Attorney stressed the seriousness of these crimes during recovery efforts. Authorities are determined to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation during crises.

A suspect wielding a machete at the U.S. Capitol has been granted pre-trial release just before Donald Trump’s inauguration, raising national security concerns among lawmakers and experts alike. Officials are closely watching this situation as they prepare for this high-profile event in Washington D.C.;Police are investigating a series of late-night muggings by a suspect known as the “Haggler After Midnight.” Targeting specific victims, this crime spree has led authorities to urge public vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities as they work to catch the culprit before more incidents occur.

REPUBLICANS TRIUMPH: KEY Pennsylvania Seat Flipped

07 November 2024 — Rob Bresnahan flipped Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, unseating Democrat Matt Cartwright, who held the seat since 2013. The race was tight, with Bresnahan winning by about 7,000 votes. A bomb threat in Luzerne County added to the election night tension.

Bresnahan credited his grassroots campaign for the win. “We shook every hand,” he said, showing his commitment to engaging voters directly instead of relying on media ads. His team logged over 50,000 miles on their pickup truck during the campaign.

Host Mike Slater highlighted this win’s importance in Scranton, a traditionally Democratic area linked with President Joe Biden. This victory aids Republican efforts to keep control of the House amid ongoing battles nationwide.

Bresnahan had marked this race as vital for securing a Republican majority in the House. He noted that capturing Pennsylvania’s 8th District was crucial for GOP success and expressed satisfaction with reaching that goal through dedicated campaigning efforts.

TRUMP’S Shocking Victory: Pennsylvania WIN Secures Presidency

06 November 2024 — Fox News declared Donald TRUMP the winner of Pennsylvania early Wednesday morning, securing his victory in the presidential race. Trump delivered a victory speech at Mar-a-Lago around 2:30 a.m. ET.

NBC’s Yamiche Alcindor reported that aides to Kamala Harris acknowledged her loss, despite no official concession from Harris herself. Her team discussed future cooperation with the Trump administration.

The Associated Press, CNN, and MSNBC confirmed Trump’s victory later in the morning, around 6 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, Harris left her election night event at Howard University without making any public remarks or conceding to Trump.

Temple University Investigates SHOCKING Pro-Palestinian Protest TARGETING Hillel

07 September 2024 — Temple University is investigating a pro-Palestinian demonstration that targeted the campus Hillel building. Protesters used megaphones to chant at the occupants, causing concern among university officials.

We are deeply saddened and concerned by these events," said Temple University President Richard Englert. He emphasized that targeting individuals based on their Jewish identity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The demonstration began at the main campus library and involved both students and non-students. Video footage shows protesters holding signs, Palestinian flags, and chanting outside the Rosen Center, which houses Temple’s Hillel building.

Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), condemned the protest in a letter to the university. He criticized Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) for creating a hostile environment for Jewish students by demanding that Temple condemn Israel and divest from Israeli holdings.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY President Quits Amid Campus Chaos

15 August 2024 — Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned Wednesday after a brief, tumultuous tenure. Her resignation follows heavy scrutiny over her handling of protests and campus divisions related to the Israel-Hamas war. The Ivy League school faced intense student demonstrations, leading to police intervention and clashes.

The announcement comes days after three Columbia University Deans resigned for exchanging disparaging texts about Jewish life and antisemitism. Shafik was criticized by Republicans in Congress for not adequately addressing antisemitism concerns on campus. She began her role in July last year but announced her resignation just weeks before the new semester starts on Sept. 3.

In an emailed letter, Shafik mentioned progress in important areas but admitted it was difficult to overcome divergent views within the community. She cited the toll on her family as a reason for stepping down, believing it would help Columbia navigate future challenges better. The university has started restricting campus access to curb potential disruptions as classes resume soon.

HARVARD Student’s BRAVE Stand Against Antisemitism at RNC

18 July 2024 — Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard student, spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee about the antisemitism he faced on campus. He revealed that anti-Israel and anti-American students openly called for Hamas-style attacks against the U.S., with no action from Harvard’s administration.

Kestenbaum criticized Harvard for not condemning Hamas’s atrocities, including the murder of 45 American citizens and taking 12 hostages on October 7. Once a Bernie Sanders supporter, he now believes the far-left has abandoned both Jewish and American people.

He declared that the Democratic Party is ideologically poisoned and that this poison has spread to America’s youth. Kestenbaum expressed his support for President Trump’s policies to expel foreign students who violate laws and harass Jewish classmates, receiving cheers from the audience.

DEMOCRAT Calls for BIDEN to Resign Over Health Concerns

12 July 2024 — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) called for President Biden to step down and resign on Thursday. She cited concerns from her constituents about the President’s age and health. “I doubt the President’s judgement about his health, his fitness to do the job, and whether he is the one making important decisions,” she stated.

Perez emphasized that Americans deserve a president who is fit enough to lead. She urged Biden to put national interest first by resigning. “The crisis of confidence in the President’s leadership needs to come to an end,” she added.

Later in the day, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) also called for Biden’s resignation after a NATO press conference. Despite praising Biden’s record and accomplishments, Himes joined Perez in suggesting it was time for him to step down.

BLOOMBERG’S $1 Billion Gift Transforms Johns Hopkins Medical School

09 July 2024 — Starting this fall, Bloomberg Philanthropies will cover tuition for Johns Hopkins medical students from families earning under $300,000 annually. This initiative aims to reduce student debt and increase opportunities.

Students from families making less than $175,000 a year will also have their living expenses and fees covered. Mike Bloomberg stated that more generous financial aid has made Johns Hopkins more economically diverse and selective.

The $1 billion gift will not only make medical school tuition-free for those with limited means but also boost financial aid for other graduate programs at Johns Hopkins. This move is expected to attract top students who might otherwise be deterred by financial constraints.

PENNSYLVANIA: The 2024 ELECTION Battleground That Could Decide It All

09 June 2024 — Pennsylvania will be a crucial battleground in the 2024 presidential election, according to Senator John Fetterman. He believes that without winning Pennsylvania, there is no legitimate path to the presidency. Fetterman asserts that Joe Biden has a strong connection with Pennsylvania voters and will likely carry the state again.

Fetterman acknowledges that the race will be very close due to Trump’s strong ties in Pennsylvania. He also downplays the impact of Trump’s legal troubles, suggesting voters have already made up their minds about him. “I don’t think that whole trial is going to be anything meaningful,” he said.

Bill Maher questioned whether Biden is the best candidate for Democrats in 2024, given he hasn’t officially been nominated yet. Fetterman responded affirmatively, stating Biden is “the only American that’s ever beaten Trump in an election” and believes he’s the only Democrat who can win again.

Fetterman also took a jab at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, recalling how Trump defeated him despite his significant campaign funds and popularity within his own state. “Trump threw him in the woodchipper,” he remarked about DeSantis’s failed attempt to challenge Trump’s dominance within the GOP.

MIT ISSUES Ultimatum: Pro-Palestinian Students Face Suspension

07 May 2024 — MIT Chancellor Melissa Nobles has declared the pro-Palestinian encampment at MIT a policy violation. Students have been ordered to vacate by 2:30 p.m. or face immediate academic suspension. This move is part of a broader trend of universities taking action against such encampments nationwide.

Chancellor Nobles stressed MIT’s commitment to free expression but stated the necessity to end the encampment for community safety. Despite multiple discussions with encampment leaders, no resolution has been reached, leading to this decisive action from the administration.

Students who comply with the evacuation order by the deadline will avoid sanctions from MIT’s Committee on Discipline, provided they are not under current investigation or have held leadership roles in the encampment. This serves as a final warning to those involved in violating campus policies.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions on college campuses regarding Middle East politics and raises questions about finding a balance between free speech and institutional rules.

WHITE HOUSE Slams Dangerous Antisemitic Campus Protests

22 April 2024 — White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates spoke out against recent protests at universities, emphasizing America’s commitment to peaceful protest while strongly condemning acts of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community. He described these actions as “blatantly Antisemitic” and “dangerous,” declaring such behavior unacceptable, particularly on college campuses.

Recent demonstrations at institutions like UNC, Boston University, and Ohio State have stirred significant controversy. These protests are part of a broader movement seen at Columbia University where over 100 students rallied for the university to sever financial ties with companies associated with Israel. The events have led to heightened tensions and several arrests.

At Columbia University, an encampment was established to show support for Palestine, resulting in multiple arrests including Isra Hirsi, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). Despite facing legal challenges, the encampment expanded as protesters added more tents throughout the weekend. This surge in activity prompted Bates’ statement amid growing concerns over campus safety and decorum.

Bates reiterated the importance of upholding free speech while ensuring that protests remain peaceful and respectful. He underscored that any form of hatred or intimidation has no place in educational environments or anywhere else in America.

GAZA DEATH Toll Debate: Expert Challenges Biden’s Acceptance of Hamas’s Inflated Figures

24 March 2024 — During his State of the Union address, President Biden referred to Gaza death statistics from the Hamas-controlled health ministry. These figures, alleging 30,000 fatalities, are now under scrutiny by Abraham Wyner. Wyner is a well-respected statistician from the University of Pennsylvania.

Wyner proposes that Hamas has reported incorrect casualty numbers in its conflict with Israel. His findings contradict many accepted casualty claims by President Biden’s administration, the U.N., and various major media outlets.

Backing up Wyner’s analysis is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who recently stated that 13,000 terrorists had been killed in Gaza since IDF intervention. Wyner questions the Gaza Health Ministry’s assertion that most of over 30,000 Palestinians who died since October 7 were women and children.

Hamas launched an invasion into southern Israel on October 7 resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities. However, based on Israeli government reports and Wyner’s calculations, it seems likely that the actual casualty rate is closer to “30% to 35% women and children,” a far cry from the bloated numbers provided by Hamas.

Supreme Court: Last RESORT for CUNY Professors Suing Union Over Alleged Antisemitism

22 January 2024 — A collective of professors from the City University of New York (CUNY) is taking legal action against a teachers union, Professional Staff Congress/CUNY (PSC). They accuse PSC of fostering antisemitism. The professors see their ultimate hope in the Supreme Court’s intervention. Despite their resignation from the union due to its perceived anti-Jewish bias, state law obliges them to maintain an association with it.

The dispute ignited when PSC endorsed a “Resolution in Support of the Palestinian People” in 2021. This resolution was interpreted as antisemitic and anti-Israel by six professors, prompting their withdrawal from the union. Nonetheless, New York State law dictates that these same professors must be represented by this union in collective bargaining discussions.

Avraham Goldstein, a mathematics professor and one of the six dissenters, voiced his distress over being compelled to align with a union he believes issues antisemitic statements without his approval.

This legal battle follows on from a significant Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (2018). The court decided that public employees who are not members can’t be forced to pay fees to a union as it infringes upon their First Amendment rights.

PENN PRESIDENT Steps Down: Donor Pressure and Congressional Testimony Fallout Takes Its Toll

10 December 2023 — Under mounting pressure from donors and facing backlash over her congressional testimony, Liz Magill, the University of Pennsylvania’s president, has tendered her resignation.

During a U.S. House committee hearing on antisemitism in colleges, Magill was unable to confirm whether advocating for Jewish genocide would breach the school’s conduct policy.

The university announced Magill’s resignation late Saturday afternoon. Despite relinquishing her presidential role, she will retain her tenured faculty position at the Carey Law School. She will also continue to serve as Penn’s leader until an interim president is appointed.

Calls for Magill’s resignation amplified following her Tuesday testimony. She faced questioning alongside presidents from Harvard University and MIT regarding their respective universities’ inability to safeguard Jewish students amidst escalating global antisemitism fears and repercussions from Israel’s escalating conflict in Gaza.

PARAGRAPH 5: "When Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., asked if “calling for the genocide of Jews” would violate Penn’s code of conduct, Magill responded that it would be a “context-dependent decision,” igniting further controversy.

UPenn President’s CAREER on the BRINK: Antisemitism Controversy Ignites Firestorm of Criticism

10 December 2023 — University of Pennsylvania’s President, Liz Magill, finds her position teetering on the edge after a surge of criticism regarding her handling of antisemitism. Her job stability is now in doubt following an ill-received congressional testimony. University donors, bipartisan lawmakers, alumni, and Jewish groups have voiced their displeasure.

The Penn Board of Trustees is set to meet this Sunday at 5 p.m., where they may decide Magill’s future. The board faces the challenge of determining whether she can effectively lead and fundraise for the university amidst this storm since the October 7 attack on Israel.

Magill has faced mounting calls for resignation after failing to unequivocally state that calls for Jewish genocide are considered bullying or harassment under UPenn’s code during a congressional hearing. This lukewarm response has sparked widespread public outrage and demands for her stepping down.

Magill’s management of antisemitism has been met with severe criticism from Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor, the Wharton School board, and high-profile donors. One alumnus even threatened to retract a $100 million donation unless there is a shift in leadership.