In a recent interview with the Financial Times, billionaire CEO and Republican megadonor Ken Griffin expressed his disappointment with Harvard University’s current value system. Griffin, an alumnus of the university, believes that Harvard should move away from what he calls the “cultural revolution” that is taking place at other schools.
Griffin specifically pointed out Harvard’s lackluster response to antisemitism on campus as a reason for his decision to pause his donations to the university. Harvard currently has received an “F” grade on the Anti-Defamation League’s “Campus Antisemitic Report Card.”
To improve its reputation, Griffin suggested that Harvard should focus on promoting meritocracy and educating the next generation of leaders in various fields. He emphasized the importance of embracing Western values that have helped build America and instilling these values in students for the rest of their lives.
Griffin also expressed skepticism towards student protests on college campuses, particularly those related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. He believes that these protests are more like “performative art” and do not actually contribute to helping Palestinians or Israelis.
Harvard has faced backlash from donors and recruitment opportunities following the congressional testimony of its former president, Claudine Gay, who avoided questions about students advocating for the “genocide of Jews.” Alan Garber is currently serving as the university’s interim president after Gay’s resignation.
