News Summary
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has declined to apologize for his remarks regarding the pro-Palestinian protests at the University of Pennsylvania. This response was revealed in an early release of his upcoming memoir, which includes details about his refusal during a vice presidential vetting process. Shapiro has maintained his stance, criticizing the university’s handling of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment that occurred when protests erupted demanding divestment from corporations linked to conflict in Gaza. His memoir is set to release soon and further outlines his views on these issues.
Philadelphia – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has declined to apologize for remarks he made concerning pro-Palestinian protests at the University of Pennsylvania, specifically regarding the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, according to an early release of his forthcoming memoir. The refusal to issue an apology was reportedly communicated during a vetting process two years ago when Shapiro was considered as a potential vice presidential candidate for Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential bid. His memoir, titled “Where We Keep the Light,” is scheduled for release on January 27.
Details from the New Memoir
The memoir reveals that the Harris campaign, during its vetting process, inquired whether Governor Shapiro would apologize for several of his public comments made about the April 2024 Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Penn. Shapiro, an ex officio member of the University Board of Trustees, reportedly “flatly” refused to do so.
Governor Shapiro’s Stance on the Encampment
In May 2024, Governor Shapiro publicly urged the University of Pennsylvania to disband the encampment, asserting that the institution had failed in its “moral responsibility and a legal responsibility to keep their students safe and free from discrimination.” He also linked campus issues to poor leadership and emphasized the importance of holding faculty accountable for teaching factual information rather than encouraging rule-breaking. Over the past two years, Governor Shapiro has consistently criticized the responses of universities across the nation to campus antisemitism. In April 2024, he characterized these responses as “unacceptable” and suggested that government intervention might be necessary when university actions are deemed insufficient.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Gaza Solidarity Encampment
The Gaza Solidarity Encampment at the University of Pennsylvania commenced on April 25, 2024. During this period, pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up tents on College Green to protest the University’s perceived ties to the conflict in Gaza. The participants of the encampment made several key demands, including that Penn divest from corporations that profit from Israel’s war on Gaza and occupation in Palestine, disclose its financial holdings under the Associated Investments Fund for transparency, and defend Palestinian students, which included calls for the reinstatement of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine.
The encampment persisted for 16 days. It was ultimately disbanded on May 10, 2024, when officers from the Penn Police, supported by the Philadelphia Police Department, swept the area. This operation resulted in 33 arrests, including nine Penn students.
Shapiro’s Involvement in the Encampment’s Disbandment
Reports indicate that Governor Shapiro was aware that University and city officials were preparing to remove the encampment when he made his public call for its termination. He described the protest as having reached an “absolutely unacceptable point” and declared it was “past time for the university to act” to restore order and safety. Throughout the duration of the encampment, Governor Shapiro’s office remained in communication with University officials, even obtaining negotiation documents and the names of protesters.
Broader Context of Campus Protests and Governor Shapiro’s Public Service
The Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Penn was part of a larger wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations that emerged on university campuses across the United States. Tensions had already been escalating at Penn for several months, marked by controversies such as the suspension of a pro-Palestinian student organization and ongoing debates surrounding free speech on campus.
Governor Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s third Jewish governor, has maintained a consistent and strong stance in support of Israel. He has frequently spoken out against antisemitism on college campuses and previously criticized former Penn President Liz Magill’s congressional testimony regarding the handling of antisemitic speech, which preceded her resignation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the main news regarding Governor Shapiro?
Governor Josh Shapiro declined to apologize for statements he made about pro-Palestinian protesters at Penn’s Gaza Solidarity Encampment, as revealed in an early release of his new memoir.
- When did this refusal to apologize come to light?
The refusal was reportedly communicated two years ago during the vetting process for his potential selection as a vice presidential candidate for Kamala Harris.
- What is the title and release date of Governor Shapiro’s memoir?
The memoir is titled “Where We Keep the Light” and is set to be released on January 27.
- What were Governor Shapiro’s public remarks about Penn’s Gaza Solidarity Encampment?
In May 2024, he publicly called on Penn to disband the encampment, stating that the University failed its “moral responsibility and a legal responsibility to keep their students safe and free from discrimination.”
- When did the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Penn begin and end?
The encampment began on April 25, 2024, and was disbanded on May 10, 2024, lasting 16 days.
- What were the demands of the protesters at the encampment?
Protesters demanded that Penn divest from corporations that profit from Israel’s war on Gaza and occupation in Palestine, disclose its financial holdings, and defend Palestinian students, including reinstating Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine.
- How many arrests were made during the disbandment of the encampment?
33 people were arrested, including nine Penn students.
Key Features of the News
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Core Event | Governor Josh Shapiro declined to apologize for remarks about Penn’s Gaza Solidarity Encampment. | State-level |
| Source of Revelation | Early release of his new memoir, “Where We Keep the Light.” | Nationwide (Memoir release) |
| Timing of Refusal | Reportedly two years ago, during vetting for Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential bid. | Nationwide (Political vetting) |
| Governor’s Public Stance | Called on Penn to disband the encampment in May 2024, citing failure in moral and legal responsibility for student safety. | State-level |
| Encampment Duration | April 25, 2024, to May 10, 2024 (16 days). | State-level |
| Arrests Made | 33 individuals, including nine Penn students. | State-level |
| Broader Context | Part of nationwide pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses. | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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UPenn’s Former President Criticizes Testimony on Antisemitism
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