Petition for the Resignation of University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill

To the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania:

We, the undersigned members of the University of Pennsylvania community and beyond, petition for the immediate resignation of President Liz Magill due to her demonstrably failed leadership in protecting Jewish students and fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment.

Specifically, we cite President Liz Magill's:

Inability to unequivocally condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish students and inability to identify these as harassment. When confronted with a public instance of verbal harassment targeting Jewish students, President Magill failed to explicitly denounce the act as hate speech and a form of harassment. This equivocation sent a chilling message to Jewish students, emboldening perpetrators and undermining their sense of security.
Pattern of inaction in addressing antisemitism. This recent incident is not an isolated event. President Magill’s administration has repeatedly faced criticism for its inadequate response to antisemitic incidents on campus, fostering a climate of fear and marginalization for Jewish students.
Amplification of antisemitism through silence. By failing to forcefully condemn antisemitic acts, President Magill has effectively amplified their message, creating an environment where such bigotry feels tolerated, if not endorsed, by the university leadership.
President Magill's continued presence in office sends a dangerous message: that the safety and well-being of Jewish students are not priorities at the University of Pennsylvania. This is unacceptable. A university that claims to uphold values of equality and justice cannot stand idly by while its own students are targeted with hate speech and violence.

We demand decisive action. We demand a leader who will not only condemn antisemitism in word but actively combat it in deed. We demand a leader who will create a haven for all students, regardless of their background, where they can feel safe, supported, and valued.

Therefore, we call upon the Board of Trustees to act swiftly and decisively. We urge you to accept President Magill’s resignation and initiate a transparent search for a new leader who will prioritize the safety and inclusion of all students, especially those targeted by hate and discrimination.

The future of the University of Pennsylvania depends on your commitment to fostering a truly equitable and just learning environment. We implore you to stand with your Jewish students and send a clear message: antisemitism will not be tolerated at Penn.

Signed,