Congresswoman Stefanik Grills Haverford President Over Antisemitism, Demands Accountability in Fiery House Hearing

By: Fern Sidman

In a powerful and unflinching exchange on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, took Haverford College President Wendy Raymond to task over her institution’s handling of antisemitism during a hearing held to examine rising anti-Jewish hate on college campuses.

As detailed in the full transcript of the exchange, Stefanik — who has emerged as one of the most vocal congressional leaders on combating campus antisemitism — pressed Raymond repeatedly for clear answers about what disciplinary action, if any, Haverford College has taken in response to several documented incidents involving antisemitic speech and behavior by students, faculty, and administrators.

“Is Calling for the Genocide of Jews Protected Speech?”

From the outset, Stefanik challenged Raymond on the basic boundaries of protected expression. “Is calling for the genocide of Jews protected speech on campus, starting with Haverford?” Stefanik asked pointedly. Raymond quickly responded, “No, of course not.”

However, the congresswoman then pivoted to question whether Haverford had taken any concrete disciplinary actions in response to such rhetoric, including a case involving a student group’s call for the ‘complete dismantling of the apartheid settler colonial state of Israel by all means necessary.’

“What does ‘by all means necessary’ mean to you?” Stefanik asked, pressing Raymond to acknowledge the violent implications such language carries — particularly in the context of Hamas’ brutal October 7 attacks.

Raymond called the phrase “repugnant,” but when asked whether any students had been suspended or expelled over such remarks, she refused to give a direct answer. “I will not be talking about individual cases,” Raymond repeated, prompting Stefanik to accuse the president of obfuscating and failing to lead.

Praise for Hamas Attacks, and No Clear Disciplinary Action

Stefanik then cited a particularly egregious case involving a Haverford mathematics professor, who in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 massacre posted on social media: “We should never have to apologize for celebrating these scenes of an imprisoned people breaking free from their chains. This was a historic moment to be recorded in their history books.”

When asked directly whether there had been an investigation or disciplinary response, Raymond again refused to confirm, repeating only that “investigations happen in all such cases.” Stefanik pushed back sharply: “This is a simple question… Was there an investigation of the professor?” Raymond would not answer.

“Jewish Students Should Be Brave” – Stefanik Highlights Lawsuit Allegations

The hearing also explored allegations contained in ongoing litigation against Haverford College. Stefanik referenced a claim that a college administrator had told prospective Jewish students that they should not expect to feel safe at Haverford, but instead be brave — a shocking remark, especially given the rising national concern over Jewish students facing harassment.

Raymond replied that such a statement “does not reflect the administrators that I know,” a deflection Stefanik called unacceptable.

“Is your testimony that the statement did not happen?” Stefanik asked. Raymond declined to deny the report outright but added, “I cannot imagine that happening.”

Stefanik shot back: “Well, let me ask you — if it did happen, what disciplinary action would Haverford take against that administrator?”

Raymond again dodged specifics, citing a generic institutional commitment to “not tolerate discrimination.”

Failure to Provide Answers Draws Stark Contrast with Other Witnesses

Throughout the hearing, other university leaders present were able to provide direct answers, listing specific actions their institutions had taken to protect Jewish students and discipline those responsible for antisemitic behavior. Stefanik contrasted their candor with what she called Raymond’s evasiveness.

“For the American people watching, you still don’t get it. Haverford still doesn’t get it,” Stefanik said bluntly. “It’s a very different testimony than the other presidents who are here today, who are coming with specifics.”

“Completely Unacceptable”: Stefanik Blasts Haverford’s Leadership

Stefanik closed her remarks by condemning Haverford’s failure to offer meaningful accountability. “This is completely unacceptable, and it’s why this committee has stepped in — because higher education has failed to address this scourge of antisemitism, putting Jewish students at risk at Haverford and other campuses across the country,” she declared.

Her line of questioning was among the most direct and unrelenting of the hearing, and it comes as Congress continues to increase pressure on universities to address antisemitism following the horrific Hamas-led massacre on October 7, and the wave of hostile campus activism that followed.

With bipartisan scrutiny intensifying and donors, alumni, and federal regulators watching closely, Wednesday’s hearing was another stark warning to university presidents: the era of avoiding accountability on antisemitism may be over. For Haverford College and its embattled leadership, the consequences of this hearing could linger far beyond Washington.