Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) criticized Haverford University President Wendy Raymond for using flashcards during a hearing on campus anti-Semitism.
Stefanik, a key figure among House Republicans and a member of the school board, was present at the hearing where Raymond faced tough questions regarding anti-Semitism on campus.
Unlike other university presidents, Raymond repeatedly avoided providing specific details about the consequences for students and faculty accused of anti-Semitism.
What stood out, however, was Raymond’s need for notes to respond, resulting in somewhat robotic answers.
Stefanik remarked, “It’s alarming that the president of Haverford University, a leader in higher education, relies on flashcards rather than speaking from conviction. No one should need a prompt to express that genocide is ‘abhorrent.’
The use of flashcards in such serious discussions, particularly regarding anti-Semitism, is quite rare and raises eyebrows.
Stefanik expressed astonishment at Raymond’s inability to straightforwardly address questions without relying on prepared materials.
She added, “This doesn’t reflect leadership. Students deserve better than practiced responses; they need clarity and the courage to confront hatred head-on.”
Stefanik pressed Raymond on the statements made by Professor Harford concerning the October 7 attack, which included comments about “incarcerated people who broke the chain.” While Raymond labeled anti-Semitism as “abhorrent,” she declined to address individual situations.
Haverford, a small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania, faced criticism after allowing anti-Semitic incidents on its campus.
The discussions during the hearing, along with Stefanik’s pointed inquiries, likely won’t benefit either Raymond or the university.
