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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton returned to her alma mater, Wellesley College, on Saturday. But the reception was less polite.
Clinton returned to campus to attend the Women-Leading Democracy Summit and accept the honor of having a college building named after her, the Hillary Rodham Clinton Center for Citizenship, Leadership, and Democracy.
From the Wellesley Report:
Wellesley College alumna Hillary Rodham Clinton ('69) is here this week to launch the Hillary Rodham Clinton Center for Citizenship, Leadership, and Democracy with a one-day summit titled Renewing Democracy: Women Leading the Way on Saturday, April 6. Finally in the city.
Special event about democracy…not open to the public, and registration for the live stream has taken place. The college limited the promotion by issuing a press release on the day of the event itself.
Organizers describe the summit as “exploring the challenges facing democracy in the United States and abroad” and highlighting how leaders are working toward democratic renewal. It will feature mostly female speakers, including Nobel Peace Prize recipient Leymah Gbowee (Liberian peace activist) and Maria Ressa (a Filipino and American journalist who co-founded the online news site Rappler).
However, pro-Palestinian protesters lined up to harass Clinton and other attendees.
Students distributed leaflets on campus stating that Clinton was Wellesley's “favorite war criminal” and argued that he had “blood on his hands.”
The New York Times reports, “The overall reception on Saturday was decidedly more mixed. The signs hoisted at the protests appeared to respond to Mrs. Clinton's statements in recent months opposing a ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hamas war. “Hillary is for women unless they’re Palestinian,” one read. “Hillary, Hillary, you are a liar; We demand a ceasefire,” protesters chanted as summit attendees entered Diana Chapman Walsh Alumni Hall. Most of the demonstrators wore medical masks to partially obscure their faces; Many were wrapped in the black and white kaffiyehs that have become a symbol of the pro-Palestinian movement.
Protesters also heckled Clinton during the panel, with one protester shouting that Mrs. Clinton was indifferent to violence against Palestinians.
Clinton replied, “We are discussing. It was a great pleasure to meet you and talk to you after this incident,” before the young woman was escorted out of the hall.
Anti-Israel protesters disrupted Hillary Clinton's event at Wellesley College on Saturday.
“And you just keep smiling at my face!” pic.twitter.com/2rQqL4KoQW
– Kassy Akiva (@KassyDillon) 7 April 2024
Watch:
Wellesley is one other American campus the place anti-Semitism prospers.
Within the weeks following the October 7 terrorist assaults, the residence corridor scholar president despatched an e mail to all campus residents blaming Israel for the Hamas bloodbath of Jewish civilians.
Resident Corridor Pupil President @Wellesley An e mail has been despatched to all residents stating that Israel is guilty for the Hamas bloodbath of Jewish civilians. There are Jewish college students on this hostel who naturally concern for his or her lives:
“Hiya everybody,
By October 18, 2023,…
– Jake Novak (@jakejakeny) 20 October 2023
At this level, what distinction does it make?