Boston, Massachusetts – Billionaire investor Kenneth Griffin, a prominent alum of Harvard University, recently urged his alma mater to uphold “Western values” amidst the ongoing turmoil on college campuses in the United States. Griffin, the founder of hedge fund Citadel, expressed his concerns in an interview with the Financial Times, emphasizing that the country has veered away from the pursuit of truth and knowledge in education over the past decade.
In his call to Harvard, Griffin emphasized the importance of meritocracy and embracing the Western values that have contributed to the nation’s greatness. The investor, who has made significant donations to the university, previously halted his contributions due to concerns over how the institution addressed antisemitism on campus.
Describing the current state of American education as a “cultural revolution,” Griffin highlighted the prevalence of the oppressor versus oppressed narrative, particularly on college campuses. He criticized the protests on campuses as resembling “performative art,” asserting that freedom of speech does not include actions like storming buildings or vandalism.
Griffin’s remarks come amidst a wave of arrests of pro-Palestinian activists at universities across the country, as they demand a cease-fire in Israel’s incursion into Gaza and push for divestment from companies with ties to Israel. The crackdown on demonstrations at various universities has led to the detention of thousands of protesters, sparking a debate on freedom of expression and activism on campuses.
Speaking at a conference in Miami, Griffin condemned the education provided at elite universities in the United States, attributing perceived shortcomings to the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The investor, who began his trading career in his Harvard dorm room, continues to advocate for a return to core Western values in higher education.