Students protest University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill for comments on antisemitism hearing

University of Pennsylvania students and staff protest against President Liz Magill's comments on antisemitism, sparking an uproar. #FireLiz #Genocide

A group of University of Pennsylvania students and staff gathered outside the office of President Liz Magill to protest her comments at a congressional hearing on antisemitism. During the hearing, Magill was questioned about whether calling for the genocide of Jewish people violates Penn's rules or the university's code of conduct. Her responses have sparked controversy and criticism, with some calling for her resignation.

The protest outside College Hall included about 30 people and was accompanied by a billboard truck with the words "Fire Liz" and a quote from the exchange with Rep. Elise Stefanik. The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has announced an investigation into Penn and two other schools, and Gov. Josh Shapiro has criticized Magill's testimony, calling it "shameful" and "unacceptable."

In response to the backlash, Magill released a video on Instagram, acknowledging that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for terrible violence. The Board of Trustees held an informal virtual gathering to discuss the situation, but no votes took place. Organizers of the protest are calling for Magill and the Board of Trustees to ask themselves tough questions and address the controversy.

CBS News Philadelphia requested an interview with Magill, but she declined to give any interviews. The situation continues to unfold as the university community grapples with the aftermath of Magill's comments.

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