Ackman Calls for Ivy League Board Resignation Over Anti-Semitism
Bill Ackman has urged the Ivy League College board to resign, expressing strong criticism over the handling of anti-Semitic incidents on campus, which he believes is leading to the decline of once-prestigious institutions.
Ackman, a 59-year-old hedge fund billionaire and Harvard alumnus, has had tensions with his alma mater for some time due to what he sees as inadequate responses to anti-Jewish sentiments. He emphasizes that “only a new leadership” can rectify the situation within the Harvard Corporation, which is the governing body of the university.
With his net worth estimated at $9 billion, Ackman’s comments came after he read an article on social media that hinted Harvard might be violating the law with its employment policies.
Ackman stated, “The chairman, Penny Pritzker, and the entire board of directors of Harvard Corporation need to resign. They govern the destruction of this once great institution.”
The university was asked for a comment regarding these remarks.
Pritzker, whose family founded the Hyatt Hotel chain, previously served as Secretary of Commerce during the Obama administration. Her relatives hold significant political influence in Illinois.
A mere ten days ago, Ackman voiced his support for freezing federal grants to Harvard, criticizing the university for its management of a tax-free endowment valued at $53 billion.
As an active user of social media, Ackman often shares insights with his 1.7 million followers, discussing topics like investment, Wall Street, and U.S. politics.
Following the tragic events of October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 civilian deaths due to attacks by Palestinian terrorists, supporters of Israel have repeatedly condemned various institutions for not adequately addressing anti-Semitism.
Ackman called on Harvard President Claudine Gay to confront the anti-Semitic demonstrations occurring on campus, yet she resigned last January amid a plagiarism scandal.
Recently, Ackman announced his resignation from the Universal Music Group board and suggested he might withdraw investments related to anti-Semitic incidents involving fans of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The Trump administration has initiated investigations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, alleging that the current Harvard leadership isn’t doing enough to protect Jewish students.
Meanwhile, Harvard is embroiled in a lawsuit against the U.S. government over the freezing of its federal funds.
Ackman has previously called for Harvard to lose its tax-exempt status while pushing for changes at the university, which he claims promotes a radical leftist ideology.
His notable public interactions include a tense exchange with activist Carl Icahn in 2012 during a significant shortfall involving the dietary supplement company Herbalife.
