Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > Our Cowardly, Garbage Universities

Our Cowardly, Garbage Universities

By Ben Shapiro

In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro addresses recent anti-Semitic incidents and protests at several US universities. He criticizes the inaction of administrations like Columbia's in responding to unlawful activities, while highlighting contrasting stances from officials like Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott.

Shapiro argues that universities' reputations are being damaged by their protest cultures and tolerance of illegal conduct. He cites business leaders who are now expressing skepticism towards Ivy League degrees and considering expanding hiring pools beyond these schools in light of recent events.

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Our Cowardly, Garbage Universities

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Our Cowardly, Garbage Universities

1-Page Summary

Anti-Semitic Incidents and Protests on College Campuses

Student Groups Supporting Hamas

Ben Shapiro highlights anti-Semitic protests where Jewish students face harassment. Radical activists at Columbia University openly supported Hamas, with one referring to the group as "fighters for the liberation of Palestine."

Administration Inaction Against Unlawful Protests

University administrations like Columbia's are accused of failing to address illegal protests. Shapiro criticizes Columbia for not clearing protesters, despite its authority. Protesters disrupted operations with impunity.

Columbia Refusing to Clear Protesters

According to Shapiro, Columbia did not act against unlawful protests, which he views as cowardly inaction. Protesters strategized to resist being cleared.

Officials Condemning Protests, Vowing Action

In contrast, governors like Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott condemned the protests. DeSantis warned Florida students of consequences for illegal actions, while Abbott suggested expulsion for anti-Semitic acts in Texas.

Universities' Reputations Damaged

Business Leaders Reconsidering Hiring Practices

The protests have prompted some business leaders like Dan Loeb and Bill Ackman to reconsider hiring Ivy League graduates due to concerns about the universities' protest cultures and tolerance of illegal conduct.

Skepticism Towards Ivy League Degrees

Ackman, as mentioned by Shapiro, now views Ivy League degrees "with a large dose of salt." Loeb advocates expanding hiring pools beyond Ivies to schools that don't endorse controversial groups.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Hamas is a Palestinian militant group and political organization that operates in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. It is considered a terrorist organization by some countries due to its history of violence against Israel. Hamas is deeply intertwined with the Palestinian cause, advocating for Palestinian rights and self-determination, albeit through controversial means. The group's actions and rhetoric are often seen as central to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • University administrations have the authority to manage protests on their campuses, ensuring they comply with laws and university policies. They can take actions such as dispersing protesters or imposing disciplinary measures. However, the approach to handling protests can vary among institutions, leading to debates on the effectiveness of their responses. In some cases, criticisms arise when administrations are perceived as not taking sufficient action to address unlawful protests, which can impact the campus environment and reputation.
  • Consequences for illegal actions on college campuses typically involve disciplinary measures by the university, such as warnings, fines, community service, or even expulsion. These consequences aim to uphold campus rules and regulations, maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students, and deter future misconduct. Authorities like governors may also intervene, suggesting or enforcing legal repercussions for criminal behavior on campus. Such actions are taken to ensure accountability and protect the well-being of the university community.
  • Business leaders like Dan Loeb and Bill Ackman are reconsidering hiring Ivy League graduates due to concerns about the universities' protest cultures and tolerance of illegal conduct. This shift in hiring practices stems from recent anti-Semitic incidents and protests on college campuses, which have raised doubts about the values and behaviors encouraged within Ivy League institutions. The leaders are advocating for a broader hiring approach that includes schools beyond the Ivy League to ensure a more diverse and potentially less controversial talent pool. Their skepticism towards Ivy League degrees reflects a growing trend among some employers to reassess the traditional emphasis placed on prestigious educational backgrounds in light of social and political developments.
  • Skepticism towards Ivy League degrees has arisen due to concerns about the universities' protest cultures and tolerance of illegal conduct, as highlighted by business leaders like Dan Loeb and Bill Ackman. This skepticism suggests a shift in perception regarding the value and credibility of Ivy League education in light of recent events involving protests and alleged inaction by university administrations. Business leaders are reconsidering hiring practices and advocating for a broader hiring pool beyond Ivy League institutions to mitigate potential risks associated with these concerns. This shift in attitude reflects a growing emphasis on ethical and cultural considerations in evaluating candidates for employment opportunities.

Counterarguments

  • Universities have a responsibility to uphold freedom of speech and may be cautious in their response to protests to avoid infringing on this right.
  • Some may argue that the support for groups like Hamas by student activists is an expression of political speech, which is protected under the First Amendment, rather than an endorsement of anti-Semitism.
  • It is possible that university administrations are acting within the law and their own codes of conduct, and that what is perceived as inaction is actually a measured response to complex situations.
  • The characterization of protests as "illegal" may be contested, and it could be argued that the protests are a legitimate form of civil disobedience.
  • Governors' statements, while strong, may not reflect the nuanced approach needed to handle campus incidents, which often require dialogue and engagement rather than punitive measures.
  • The idea that Ivy League universities endorse controversial groups or illegal conduct may be an overgeneralization and not reflective of the institutions' official policies or the actions of the majority of their students and faculty.
  • Business leaders reconsidering hiring Ivy League graduates may be making decisions based on a narrow view of the situation, potentially missing out on talented individuals who are not involved in the protests.
  • Viewing Ivy League degrees "with a large dose of salt" may not take into account the rigorous education and diverse experiences that these institutions offer, which can be valuable in the business world.
  • Expanding hiring pools beyond Ivy League institutions is a positive practice for diversity and inclusion, but it should not be done solely on the basis of protest cultures, as protests can occur at any institution.
  • The suggestion of expulsion for anti-Semitic acts, while addressing hate speech, needs to be balanced with due process and educational interventions that address the root causes of such behavior.

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Our Cowardly, Garbage Universities

Anti-Semitic protests and harassment targeting Jewish students on college campuses

Ben Shapiro, Iris Stoll, and various state governors raise concerns about the increasing anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses, particularly at Columbia University.

Student groups openly supporting Hamas

Ben Shapiro mentions anti-Semitic protests on college campuses where Jewish students face spitting, physical assault, and harassment. Radical anti-Israel activists at Columbia told students there is nothing wrong with being a fighter in Hamas. Charlotte Kate, speaking to anti-Israel activists at Columbia and Barnard, referred to Hamas as those fighting for the liberation of Palestine.

Shapiro also discusses protesters that may support the globalizing of the Intifada and are effectively supporting Hamas by chanting "we are Hamas." He mentions the financial support to these groups from individuals who are fine with their money going to groups that subsidize anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic language.

University administrators turning a blind eye and allowing protesters to violate the law

Shapiro accuses university administrators, particularly at Columbia University, of failing to act against illegal protests. He criticizes Columbia’s administration for not clearing protesters, despite having the power to stop illegal activities. College administrations are accused of agreeing with the protesters, thus not enforcing student codes of conduct that call for lawful behavior.

Columbia University refusing to clear protesters

Columbia University is described as not taking action during protests, which Shapiro views as cowardice rather than addressing student disruptions. Protesters are organizing to prevent being cleared by police and vowing to break up into platoons to defend their illegal encampment. There is mention of faculty members creating chains to block journalists. Despite arrests made by NYPD, the students involved were immediately released and returned to campus. Shapiro critiques university administrators for not effectively dealing with such unlawful protests.

Right-wing elected officials condemning the protests and protecting free speech

Governor Ro ...

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Anti-Semitic protests and harassment targeting Jewish students on college campuses

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The incidents at Columbia University involved anti-Semitic protests where Jewish students faced physical assault, spitting, and harassment. Radical anti-Israel activists openly supported Hamas, a group labeled as a terrorist organization by some countries. University administrators were criticized for allegedly turning a blind eye to these protests and not taking action to stop illegal activities on campus. Right-wing elected officials condemned the protests and called for consequences for those involved in anti-Semitic behavior.
  • Hamas is a Palestinian militant Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip and is considered a terrorist organization by several countries. The Intifada is a term used to describe two major uprisings by Palestinians against Israeli occupation, the first Intifada occurring from 1987 to 1993 and the second from 2000 to 2005. These events are significant in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have shaped the political landscape of the region.
  • The protests at Columbia University mentioned in the text involve anti-Semitic incidents targeting Jewish students, with some protesters openly supporting Hamas and engaging in illegal activities on campus. University administrators are accused of not taking action to stop these protests, leading to criticism from various figures, including Ben Shapiro and Governor Ron DeSantis. The protests have sparked calls for consequences for the protesters and for university leadership to address the situation more effectively.
  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal f ...

Counterarguments

  • The right to protest is a fundamental aspect of free speech, and university campuses have historically been venues for political activism and debate. It's important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of a government's policies, such as those of Israel, and anti-Semitism.
  • Some may argue that the actions of student protesters should be understood within the context of political expression and that their support for Palestinian rights is not inherently anti-Semitic.
  • University administrators may be in a difficult position, trying to balance the rights of protesters with the need to maintain order and safety on campus. Their reluctance to clear protesters might stem from a commitment to uphold freedom of expression, rather than agreement with the protesters' views or cowardice.
  • The response of law enforcement, such as the NYPD, to protests and subsequent arrests, might be guided by legal considerations and the rights of the individuals involved, including due process.
  • Calls for expulsion or resignation as a response to protests can be seen as extreme and potentially damaging to the principles of academic freedom and due process.
  • The characterization of financial support to student groups as subsidizing anti-Semitism could be challenged i ...

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Our Cowardly, Garbage Universities

The negative impact on the reputation of Ivy League universities

The reputations of Ivy League institutions are under scrutiny due to recent protests and the responses of the universities to these events.

Business leaders beginning to reconsider hiring graduates from schools with protests

With the protests at Ivy League schools making headlines, some business leaders are starting to revisit their hiring practices regarding graduates from these prestigious universities. Dan Loeb, an activist investor and a Columbia University graduate himself, has expressed that he is rethinking offering jobs at his hedge funds to alumni of Ivy League schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Penn, in light of the recent occurrences.

Investor Bill Ackman says he views Ivy League degrees "with a large dose of salt" now

Loeb is not alone in his reconsideration. More pronounced is the sentiment from investor Bill Ackman, as noted by Ben Shapiro, who mentions that Ackman now views Ivy League degrees "with a large dose of salt." This reflects a growing trepidation among business leaders about the potential impact of university protest cultures on the graduates they consider for positions.

Ackman’s skepticism joins a chorus of concerns suggesting that the reputation of sc ...

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The negative impact on the reputation of Ivy League universities

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Dan Loeb, an activist investor and Columbia University graduate, is reconsidering hiring Ivy League alumni due to recent protests. Investor Bill Ackman shares similar sentiments, expressing skepticism towards Ivy League degrees in light of protest cultures impacting graduate reputations. Both individuals highlight a shift in business leaders' perceptions, suggesting a potential decline in the value traditionally associated with Ivy League credentials. This changing landscape prompts a broader search for job candidates beyond Ivy League institutions.
  • Concerns about the impact of university protest cultures on potential hires stem from worries that graduates from institutions with a history of protests may bring controversy or activism into the workplace. Business leaders fear that hiring individuals from universities with ongoing protests could lead to disruptions, conflicts, or reputational damage for their compan ...

Counterarguments

  • The reputation of Ivy League schools is built on a long history of academic excellence, not solely on recent events or the actions of a few individuals.
  • Protests are a form of free speech and civic engagement, which are valuable in a democratic society and can be indicative of a healthy, critical, and engaged student body.
  • Business leaders' opinions are not universally representative of all hiring practices or industry standards.
  • The critical thinking, diverse perspectives, and leadership skills developed at Ivy League institutions may be more valuable to some employers than the presence or absence of protests.
  • The actions of a university in response to protests can sometimes enhance its reputation for upholding free speech and managing conflict, depending on the perspective of the observer.
  • Graduates from Ivy League schools often have networks and resources that continue to be valuable in the business world, regardless of current events.
  • The value of a degree from any institution, including Ivy League universities, should ideally be based on the individual's skills and experiences rather than the institution's name alone.
  • The focus on hiring from a broader range of universiti ...

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