CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS: A billboard truck, described by some as a "doxxing truck," was seen displaying the names and photos of Harvard students who endorsed a statement blaming Israel for the deadly attacks by Hamas.
The Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups, a coalition of Harvard student organizations, released a statement accusing "the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence" following attacks by Hamas, which have resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis and more than 27 American citizens, along with over 1,500 casualties in Gaza as Israel responded with airstrikes following the Hamas attack.
In the wake of this statement, some students and their affiliated groups distanced themselves from it or withdrew their endorsements due to a substantial backlash.
Several students who signed the statement claimed they had not thoroughly read it before doing so.
Who organized the controversial truck display?
The billboard truck and its controversial message were organized by Accuracy in Media, a conservative nonprofit. The truck bore the banner, "Harvard's Leading Antisemites," alongside students' names and images, which were also published online.
“Accuracy in Media is exposing radical antisemites on college campuses,” the organization posted. “No one who supports terrorist groups like Hamas should be able to hide in the shadows.”
Adam Guillette, the president of the organization, added a touch of irony to the situation by remarking, "It's always funny when students on the campus where Facebook was invented are complaining about their names and photos being publicly available."
The organization continued to stir the pot by updating the list of names, removing those from groups that withdrew their endorsements while adding new names regularly.
The repercussions of this incident have left some students feeling fearful for their safety. A first-year graduate student from a group that signed the statement expressed concern, particularly for students who might appear Muslim.
“Everyone is fearful for their safety,” the grad student told the Boston Herald. “I’m scared that this kind of targeting will lead to someone who looks Muslim getting attacked. It’s just a matter of time before something serious happens.”
He insisted that the statement was being misrepresented, and none of the students were aligning themselves with Hamas.
Social media reactions
However, many individuals on social media suggested that the student groups were simply facing the consequences of their actions.
"They made the rules. Now they get to play by them," one posted on X. "You reap what you sow, right?" another wrote.
"A dose of their own medicine," someone else commented. "They were so proud signing the letter. Why are they hiding now?" another chimed in.
University and scholars' response
Amid this turmoil, Harvard University's Hillel, its Jewish student organization, condemned the billboard truck and any attempts to intimidate signatories.
“Harvard Hillel strongly condemns any attempts to threaten and intimidate co-signatories of the Palestine Solidarity Committee’s statement, including the bus on campus displaying the names and faces of students affiliated with the groups who have signed it,” the organization posted on its website.
“We will continue to reject the PSC’s statement in the strongest terms — and demand accountability for those who signed it,” the statement added. “But under no circumstances should that accountability extend to public intimidation of individuals.”
Notable figures have also weighed in on the situation, with Harvard legal scholar Laurence Tribe criticizing the attempts to expose the students and labeling them as antisemites, which he believes is "far more dangerous than useful."
He told CNN, "We shouldn’t repeat the McCarthy era’s excesses in the interest of moral clarity."
In response to the mounting backlash, some of the original 34 student groups that had co-signed the statement decided to withdraw their endorsements.
Billionaire hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman and other business leaders also demanded the release of the names of student signatories, suggesting they would not hire them.
Former Harvard President Larry Summers echoed the sentiment that vilifying individuals is not constructive at this time. “Please everybody take a deep breath,” he posted.
“Many in these groups never saw the statement before it went out. In some case(s) those approving did not understand exactly what they were approving. Probably some were naive and foolish.”
Harvard's response to the situation
In light of the escalating tensions and fears on campus, Harvard University has increased security measures and is actively monitoring online activity to ensure the safety and well-being of its community.
“Events in Israel and Gaza continue to provoke anxiety, concern, and uncertainty throughout our community,” wrote Harvard's executive VP Meredith Weenick.
“Those feelings have been amplified over the last several days by hateful and reckless rhetoric, inside and outside of Harvard, that has increased tensions and sown fear, especially among our students."
“I write tonight to assure you that the University takes seriously the safety and well-being of every member of our community. We do not condone or ignore intimidation. We do not condone or ignore threats or acts of harassment or violence," Weenick added.
