Harvard University faced backlash after hosting a Pakistan-focused conference days after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Two Hindu students Surabhi Tomar and Abhishek Chaudhuri protested against the event, calling it insensitive and dangerous.
They had urged Harvard to condemn the Pahalgam killings and avoid whitewashing state-backed terrorism. The South Asia Institute later distanced itself from the conference, claiming it provided only limited support. Harvard removed details of the event from its website after outrage grew and then issued an official statement .
HARVARD ISSUES STATEMENT
In a statement, Harvard said the students, along with their faculty adviser, independently determined the topics and the speakers.
“Following our principles of operation, we did not consult any benefactor of the Institute about this conference. The students, along with their faculty advisor, independently determined the topics and speakers presenting,” the statement said.
Harvard said during the India Conference also, held on February 15-16, the topics and speakers were “independently” determined by the students.
The university condoled the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack. “Please know that we share the grief and anguish with our friends, colleagues, and loved ones in India who have been affected by the attack in Pahalgam, and we offer our heartfelt condolences,” the statement further said.
Video : Islamic Terrorists Kill Around 28 In Kashmir After Checking Their IDs
