There is a long history of anti-Semitism at Harvard University, though it is
essentially gone today. There is also a long history of subtle — and not so
subtle — grandiose acts of satire at Harvard. Last Friday morning, students who
live in Harvard University’s nine River Houses awoke to find that the
intersection of those two Harvard traditions had been slipped under their doors
in the night. It was an invitation to “The Pigeon,” a mock final club. Across
the top of the flyer it said, “Inclusion* Diversity** Love***.” Following the
asterisks down to the bottom of the flyer reveals:
* Jews need not apply.
** Seriously, no f**king Jews. Coloreds OK.
*** Rophynol [an apparent misspelling of Rohypnol, a date rape drug]
The anonymous author(s) probably meant to poke fun at the final clubs that have a long history at Harvard. If you went to Harvard — or if you saw “The Social Network” — you know that final clubs are prestigious invite-only undergraduate social clubs, a phenomenon unique to Harvard. Unless you’re just good at guessing where this is going, they also have a shaky reputation when it comes to racism and anti-Semitism. And, Harvard being Harvard, the otherwise minor incident of the flyer has sparked controversy and outrage far beyond the school.
Most people see the see the situation in one of two ways. Many believe that statements such as “Seriously, no f**king Jews” make the flyer unforgivable, promoting hate speech and so forth.
Others counter that the flyer, while uncomfortable, falls completely within the bounds of free speech and should be treated as such. Indeed, the only speech that really needs any protecting is speech that causes discomfort. Some see the flyer as exemplifying precisely that notion.
Evelynn M. Hammonds, Harvard’s undergraduate dean, responded with the following statement: “As an educator, I find these flyers offensive. They are not a reflection of the values of our community. Even if intended as satirical in nature, they are hurtful and offensive to many students, faculty and staff, and do not demonstrate the level of thoughtfulness and respect we expect at Harvard when engaging difficult issues within our community.”
* Jews need not apply.
** Seriously, no f**king Jews. Coloreds OK.
*** Rophynol [an apparent misspelling of Rohypnol, a date rape drug]
The anonymous author(s) probably meant to poke fun at the final clubs that have a long history at Harvard. If you went to Harvard — or if you saw “The Social Network” — you know that final clubs are prestigious invite-only undergraduate social clubs, a phenomenon unique to Harvard. Unless you’re just good at guessing where this is going, they also have a shaky reputation when it comes to racism and anti-Semitism. And, Harvard being Harvard, the otherwise minor incident of the flyer has sparked controversy and outrage far beyond the school.
Most people see the see the situation in one of two ways. Many believe that statements such as “Seriously, no f**king Jews” make the flyer unforgivable, promoting hate speech and so forth.
Others counter that the flyer, while uncomfortable, falls completely within the bounds of free speech and should be treated as such. Indeed, the only speech that really needs any protecting is speech that causes discomfort. Some see the flyer as exemplifying precisely that notion.
Evelynn M. Hammonds, Harvard’s undergraduate dean, responded with the following statement: “As an educator, I find these flyers offensive. They are not a reflection of the values of our community. Even if intended as satirical in nature, they are hurtful and offensive to many students, faculty and staff, and do not demonstrate the level of thoughtfulness and respect we expect at Harvard when engaging difficult issues within our community.”
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