Protecting Free Speech and Combating Hate Speech at Harvard: A Discussion

🔒Harvard embraces a commitment to free expression, even of objectionable views, but distinguishes between speech and conduct that violates policies against bullying and harassment.

🌍The use of the term 'inātā' in the context of the Israeli-Arab conflict is considered a call for violent armed resistance against Israel, including violence against civilians and the genocide of Jews.

🚧Harvard's code of conduct prohibits conduct that violates policies against bullying, harassment, and intimidation, but gives wide latitude to free expression, including objectionable/offensive views.

❗️Harvard has a robust disciplinary process to hold individuals accountable for conduct that violates the university's policies, including hate speech.

❌The president of Harvard refuses to comment on specific cases due to student privacy rights and obligations under FERPA.

Is it protected free speech for students to call for the mass murder of African-Americans at Harvard?

—Harvard values free expression and gives a wide latitude to objectionable/offensive views. However, conduct that violates policies against bullying and harassment is not protected.

Is the use of the term 'inātā' considered hate speech?

—In the context of the Israeli-Arab conflict, 'inātā' is considered a call for violent armed resistance against Israel, including violence against civilians and the genocide of Jews. Therefore, it is viewed as hateful and objectionable speech.

Does Harvard take action against students who engage in hate speech?

—Harvard has a robust disciplinary process to hold individuals accountable for conduct that violates the university's policies, including hate speech. Privacy rights and obligations under FERPA, however, limit the public disclosure of specific cases.

Does Harvard protect Jewish students from anti-Semitic hate crimes?

—Harvard is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. It acknowledges the alarming rise of anti-Semitism and takes steps to address and prevent hate crimes on campus.

Has Harvard been ranked poorly in protecting Jewish students?

—There have been reports ranking Harvard lower in terms of protecting Jewish students. However, the university is continuously working to improve its efforts in combating anti-Semitism and ensuring the safety of all students.

00:01The video begins with a recognition of the speaker, Miss Stonic, and the topic of discussion: the protection of free speech and combating hate speech at Harvard.

00:04Dr. Gay, the president of Harvard, is questioned about whether it is acceptable for students to call for the mass murder of African-Americans at the university.

00:13The discussion focuses on Harvard's commitment to free speech and the distinction between protected speech and conduct that violates policies on bullying and harassment.

00:23The term 'inātā' in the context of the Israeli-Arab conflict is discussed as a call for violent armed resistance against Israel, including violence against civilians and the genocide of Jews.

01:06The president of Harvard emphasizes that while hate speech is objectionable and offensive, the university's commitment to free expression allows for a wide range of views.

01:27The speaker questions whether hateful speech calling for genocide is contrary to Harvard's code of conduct, to which the president emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between speech and conduct.

02:01The president clarifies that Harvard takes action against conduct, such as bullying and harassment, that violates their policies, but does not comment on specific cases.

02:18The discussion addresses a ranking that placed Harvard last when it comes to free speech and the university's previous rescission of offers of admissions due to offensive statements.