UPenn has a new interim president after Liz Magill's resignation after her antisemitic statements

This Tuesday, the University of Pennsylvania announced that they now have a new interim president who will replace Liz Magill. According to the statement, Dr. J. Larry Jameson will assume the role.

Jameson, who previously served as executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, has agreed to assume interim leadership of the educational institution effective immediately. This appointment follows the resignation of Magill, who faced multiple criticisms after giving an antisemitic testimony at a congressional hearing.

In a statement, the interim president of the Board of Directors, Julie Beren Platt, said: "Penn is fortunate to have the benefit of Dr. Jameson's experience and leadership during this time of transition. A consummate University citizen and the longest serving current dean, Dr. Jameson is a collaborative, innovative, and visionary leader with extensive engagement with each of Penn's 12 schools."

Magill's resignation

The change of president occurred after Magill submitted her resignation from the position "voluntarily."

Magill faced widespread criticism and intense pressure from students, alumni, donors and politicians for her participation in a December 5 congressional hearing.

During the hearing, New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik asked her whether calls for the genocide of Jews would violate university policies, to which Magill responded: "If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment, yes. It is a context-dependent decision."

Magill recanted her comments in a video released shortly after her testimony. "I was not focused on, but I should have been, on the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate," she said. However, her apologies failed to stop the consequences of her initial statements.