OPINION:
“Billions in Middle East donations to U.S. universities linked to campus antisemitism” (web, Dec. 14) by Valerie Richardson is very good, but it misses a critical point: the reason so much cash landed at these particular schools.
Make no mistake: The funds would not have flowed unless the donors were certain the schools wanted and intended to push their agenda. And it’s pretty clear that the schools must have pursued the cash to land the donations.
That raises a far more troubling question: Is the antisemitism and anti-Americanism gushing out of all these pro-Palestinian demonstrations the result of the donations, or were the donations made to finance an agenda that was already underway?
The harsh truth is that no one who has that kind of money to give does so unless they are convinced they will achieve the results they want. I fear the evidence shows that the schools were financed in their efforts, policies and paths. Unfortunately, I have not seen any of the schools address this issue.
What will be done to rein in and hold accountable these schools that no longer serve the interests of Americans? The utter lack of interest in this matter among members of the Democratic Party is shocking.
JAMES BARENDS
Wayne, Pennsylvania
