Ronald Lauder, the heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics empire and a prominent donor to the University of Pennsylvania, expressed dissatisfaction with the university’s response to antisemitism on campus. Lauder stated that he will reassess his financial support to UPenn in a letter obtained by The Post.
In the letter addressed to UPenn President Liz Magill, Lauder criticized the university’s decision to host the controversial “Palestine Writes Literature Festival” and mentioned his personal visit to campus to urge the cancellation of the event. Lauder emphasized that the conference has greatly damaged the reputation of UPenn.
Lauder, whose family funded the creation of the Lauder Center at UPenn’s Wharton School, underscored the unfortunate timing of the festival coinciding with the recent attacks on Israel by Hamas. Lauder stated, “Today, Israel is fighting for its life and in many ways, Jewish people throughout the diaspora are worried for their safety.”
The festival, which took place last month, included speakers like Aya Ghanameh, who has called for “Death to Israel,” and Randa Abdel-Fattah, who referred to Israel as a “demonic, sick project.” Pink Floyd musician Roger Waters, accused of previous antisemitic remarks, participated in the event via Zoom.
Lauder expressed tremendous sorrow and stated that he does not wish for any students at the Lauder Institute to be taught by those associated with the event. He made it explicit that the bias against Israel shown by the organizers and supporters of the event compromised academic integrity. Lauder mentioned his unsuccessful attempts to contact the professor responsible for organizing the festival.
Although Lauder has yet to halt future donations, he emphasized that he is reevaluating his ongoing financial support. UPenn’s spokesperson referred to Magill’s statement, which expresses the university’s commitment to combat antisemitism and promote the safety and security of the community. The statement acknowledges the need for faster and broader communication but assures unwavering beliefs.
Lauder’s letter follows former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman’s announcement that his family will no longer donate to UPenn due to its perceived silence regarding the recent attack by Hamas on Israel. Apollo CEO Marc Rowan also demanded Magill’s resignation and urged alumni to withhold donations until there is a change in leadership. Rowan drew parallels between the events at UPenn and Harvard, where student groups blamed Israel for the Hamas massacre.
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