Billionaire Ken Griffin Criticizes College Protests Over Israel’s War in Gaza: Financial Times Interview

Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin has entered the national conversation surrounding American colleges and the ongoing protests related to Israel’s conflict in Gaza. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Griffin criticized the social justice “narrative” at some schools, describing the protests as “performative art” that does not benefit Palestinians or Israelis.

Since the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, campuses across the U.S. have been rocked by protests, with thousands of arrests and disruptions to academic activities. Griffin, a Harvard alum and major donor to the university, has been vocal about his disapproval of the protests, calling them a result of a “failed education system.”

Griffin’s comments come amidst a broader debate within the business community about the impact of college protests on students’ future employment prospects. Some companies have already pledged not to hire students who participated in the protests, while others have voiced their support for the demonstrators.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has defended the right of students to protest peacefully but has rejected calls to change his approach on Gaza. A forthcoming White House report on the use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza is expected to be critical of Israel but does not conclude that Israel violated any terms of their use.

The debate over college protests and their implications for students and businesses continues to unfold, with prominent figures like Ken Griffin and Bill Ackman weighing in on the issue. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how colleges, students, and the broader community will navigate these complex and contentious issues.