‘It’s a Yes or No Question!’ Stefanik Grills Harvard President Over Students Calling For ‘Intifada’ On Campus

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the chair of the House GOP Conference, pulled no punches on Tuesday while grilling Harvard’s President Dr. Claudine Gay during a House hearing on anti-Semitism.

Earlier in the day the House GOP held a press conference with Jewish students who detailed harassment on their various campuses and accused pro-Palestinian protestors of using anti-Semitic language aimed at intimidation. Stefanik took part in that presser and came into the subsequent hearing ready for a fight.

“Dr. Gay, a Harvard student calling for the mass murder of African-Americans is not protected free speech at Harvard, correct?” Stefanik began.

As Dr. Gay began to respond, Stefanik interjected, “It’s a yes or no question!”

“Is that okay for students to call for the mass murder of African Americans at Harvard? Is that protected free speech?” Stefanik repeated.

Dr. Gay again tried to respond and Stefanik cut her off, “It’s a yes or no question!”

“Let me ask you this. You are president of Harvard, so I assume you’re familiar with the term intifada, correct?” Stefanik asked.

“I’ve heard that term. Yes,” Dr. Gay replied.

“And you understand that the use of the term intifada in the context of the Israeli-Arab conflict is indeed a call for violent armed resistance against the state of Israel, including violence against civilians and the genocide of Jews. Are you aware of that?” Stefanik asked.

“That type of hateful speech is personally abhorrent to me,” replied Dr. Gay.

“And there have been multiple marches at Harvard with students chanting, quote, There is only one solution, intifada revolution and quote, globalize the intifada. Is that correct?” Stefanik followed up.

“I’ve heard that thoughtless, reckless and hateful language on our campus. Yes,” Dr. Gay replied.

“So based upon your testimony, you understand that this call for intifada is to commit genocide against the Jewish people in Israel and globally? Correct?” Stefanik asked.

“I will say again, that type of hateful speech is personally abhorrent to me,” Dr. Gay repeated.

“Do you believe that type of hateful speech is contrary to Harvard’s code of conduct, or is it allowed at Harvard?” Stefanik asked.

“It is at odds with the values of Harvard,” Dr. Gay replied.

“Can you not say here that it is against the code of conduct at Harvard?” Stefanik shot back.

“We embrace a commitment to free expression, even of views that are objectionable, offensive, hateful. It’s when that speech crosses into conduct that violates our policies against bullying, harassment,” Dr. Gay replied as Stefanik jumped in.

“That speech not cross that barrier. Does that speech not call for the genocide of Jews and the elimination of Israel? You testify that you understand that is the definition of intifada,” Stefanik added, raising her voice.

“Is that speech according to the code of conduct or not?” she then asked.

“We embrace a commitment to free expression and give a wide berth to free expression, even of views that are objectionable,” Dr. Gay replied.

The two continued to spar over specific incidents on Harvard’s campus and Stefanik ended her questioning by asking, “Do you know what the number one hate crime in America is?”

“I know that over the last couple of months there has been an alarming rise of anti-Semitism, which I understand is the critical topic that we are here to discuss,” Dr. Gay replied.

“That’s correct. It is anti-Jewish hate crimes. And Harvard ranks the lowest when it comes to protecting Jewish students. This is why I’ve called for your resignation and your testimony today. Not being able to answer with more clarity speaks volumes. I yield back,” Stefanik concluded.

Watch the full clip above via C-SPAN.