Harvard University’s decision to award an honorary degree to longtime anti-Israel activist Elaine H. Kim has ignited a firestorm of backlash, raising urgent questions about the university’s handling of antisemitism and academic values.
At a Glance
- Harvard honored Elaine H. Kim, a UC Berkeley Professor Emerita and supporter of the BDS movement.
- Kim has publicly endorsed academic boycotts against Israel for over two decades.
- University leaders praised her “community service” without addressing her controversial views.
- Critics say the move undermines Harvard’s credibility amid rising antisemitism scrutiny.
- The honorary degree process lacks transparency and has fueled demands for accountability.
A Controversial Choice
Elaine H. Kim received Harvard’s prestigious Doctor of Laws degree during its latest commencement ceremony. The recognition came despite Kim’s long-standing advocacy for the U.S. Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (USACBI), a group aligned with the broader BDS movement. Kim has signed multiple statements accusing Israel of “genocide” and calling for the cultural isolation of Israeli institutions.
In 2003, she co-signed a letter warning of potential “ethnic cleansing” by Israel during the Iraq War. More recently, she joined a boycott of the Batsheva Dance Company, claiming its U.S. tour was an attempt to “artwash” Israeli policies. In a public statement, Kim declared, “USACBI refuses to condone the artwashing of Israeli genocide, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing.”
Watch a report: Elaine H. Kim honored amid backlash.
Institutional Silence and Public Outcry
Neither Harvard President Alan Garber nor Provost John Manning mentioned Kim’s anti-Israel activism during the ceremony. Instead, Manning praised her “fervent commitment to community service,” while Garber called her “dynamic in devotion to building community.” The omission has been sharply criticized. Columnist Ira Stoll called the honor “extraordinary recklessness,” especially if Harvard knew about Kim’s long-documented affiliations.
The timing has only intensified scrutiny. Harvard remains under pressure following its response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and broader claims of campus antisemitism. Former President Trump labeled the university “very antisemitic” and suggested re-evaluating its federal funding and tax-exempt status.
Process Under Fire
Kim was one of six honorary degree recipients, but the selection process is opaque. According to Breitbart, critics argue the lack of transparency enables controversial choices to pass without proper vetting. The award has reignited debates over whether honoring politically divisive figures aligns with Harvard’s academic mission.
While defenders cite Kim’s academic legacy and advocacy for marginalized communities, detractors say honoring her undercuts Harvard’s credibility in fighting antisemitism. As the university grapples with rebuilding trust, this episode may prove a defining test of its commitment to both academic freedom and moral clarity.
