Late one night while studying with other students through a shared Google document, 16-year-old Kyle Kashuv, the son of Israeli immigrants, started a despicable rant filled with racist and anti-Semitic language. He also sent the vile content through text messages. Several months later, Kashuv was among the survivors after the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
This past fall, Kashuv, who graduated second in his class, was one of only two seniors from the high school to be admitted to Harvard College.
Recently, screenshots of Kasuv’s odious comments from two years earlier were bandied about online. Harvard College admissions directors took notice. They sent Kashuv a letter informing him his acceptance was being reconsidered.
Kashuv moved into damage-control mode. On Twitter, he wrote, “We were 16-year-olds making idiotic comments, using callous and inflammatory language to be as extreme and shocking as possible. . . the comments I made are not indicative of who I am or who I’ve become in the years since. This past year has forced me to mature and grow in an incredibly drastic way. . . I see the world through different eyes and am embarrassed by the petty, flippant kid represented in those screenshots.”
Pleading his case to Harvard, he wrote that he took full responsibility for what he had written. “I make absolutely no excuse for those comments. I said them, regret them, and by explaining the context and my subsequent experience I am not trying to excuse them. Instead, I am seeking to demonstrate the hurtful things I said do not represent the man I am today.”
Despite Kashuv’s statements of remorse, Harvard rescinded his acceptance. Kashuv asked to meet with admissions representatives in person to discuss the matter. Harvard refused.
The rejected applicant took to the court of public opinion on Twitter, arguing in part, “Throughout its history, Harvard’s own faculty has included slave owners, segregationists and anti-Semites. If Harvard is suggesting that growth isn’t possible and that our past defines our future, then Harvard is an inherently racist institution. But I don’t believe that.”
In his New York Times column from June 17, David Brooks suggested that Harvard’s decision may have been politically motivated. After the shooting, many Parkland high school students became activists for tighter gun control laws, and generally allied themselves with politically liberal views. In contrast, Kashuv lobbied for more gun rights, appeared on conservative media outlets, and lobbied for the STOP School Violence Act, which would create an annual $50 million grant to schools for training programs and reporting systems. It seems likely that some of Kashuv’s former classmates were out to get him, floated the old screenshots on social media, and actively campaigned to get him booted from one of the nation’s most elite colleges. It worked.
Harvard’s decision is being roundly criticized in many quarters, and for good reason. When an adult is discovered to have made odious, racist comments (think Mel Gibson), withholding forgiveness, at least until the individual demonstrates true remorse and establishes a positive track record, is understandable.
But to refuse to forgive an 18-year-old with an otherwise “clean” record of interactions with minorities is heartless and unfair. Some say that 16 was old enough to be held accountable for his outburst, and that Kashuv is reaping his just deserts. But how many of us could withstand the scrutiny of our teenaged private conversations or correspondence, held up to the light today?
I believe that our society’s acceptance of cursing in everyday language is linked to this situation. Harsh and offensive four-letter words pollute public spaces as well as private, and many people think this kind of talk is “no big deal.” Having defined coarseness down many levels, it shouldn’t be surprising that people – especially immature teenagers – might also find that racial and anti-Semitic slurs are also no big deal. As my son-in-law, Yonah, likes to say, “What you promote, you permit.”
In Judaism, we are not judged by our pasts, but by our present.
Most colleges look for applicants who have demonstrated emotional maturity appropriate for their ages. Many colleges ask applicants to write essays about a time when the applicant had a failure, and what they learned from those failures. Kashuv’s statements, and his activism on behalf of greater school safety, should have shown Harvard that he is capable of the kind of self-reflection and change that most colleges claim to value.
In Judaism, we are not judged by our pasts, but by our present. When Avraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away at Sarah’s insistence, Ishmael’s life is spared when he is close to death in the desert, despite his future as a perpetrator of violence. God judged him for who he was at that time. He still could choose teshuva (repentance) if he wanted to. And of all the 12 tribes, Jews are named not for the firstborn, but for Yehuda, because he was the first in the Torah to publicly accept responsibility for a misdeed. He owned up to having had a relationship with his daughter-in-law Tamar, and immediately withdrew his accusation against her for improper actions. Yehuda’s name comes from the root word “to thank” or “to admit.” The concepts are closely connected.
Change and growth are among the most inspiring and fundamental concepts in Judaism. They suffuse our daily lives. At night before the bedtime Shema, we offer to forgive anyone who might have wronged us that day. On Rosh Hashanah we greet one another with Shana Tova, a good year, but shana means ‘change’ as well as ‘year’. A new year means more growth and change.
Harvard’s cold refusal to accept his remorse gives the terrible message that people cannot change. Harvard may have rescinded Kyle Kashuv’s admission, but his maturity and willingness to take responsibility for his actions have earned my admiration and respect.
Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
Related Article: Harvard’s Mistake, by Rabbi Benjamin Blech.
(39) Anonymous, December 6, 2019 3:59 AM
Someday, he'll look back with gratitude
As long as he takes this as an opportunity for growth instead of looking at it as being denied something to which he was entitled, he'll be fine. Harvard is not what it once was -- he'd be better off going to a school like the University of Miami or maybe to HUJI, instead.
(38) Deborah, July 6, 2019 2:04 PM
A thoughtful article
This is a thoughtful response. I find Kashuv's comments, private or otherwise, deeply repugnant. I am glad that he has acknowledged those remarks as despicable plainly. Whilst racism and anti-Semitism should lead to social condemnation, we have to walk a careful line in between punishment and redemption.
(37) Anonymous, June 26, 2019 10:58 AM
He dodged a bullet!
I think Kyle Kashuv just dodged the bullet of snowflake, liberal indoctrination. Amazing how H' works. Could I suggest he apply to an Israeli University? It might help him lose his former anti-semitic views even further.
(36) Curt, June 24, 2019 4:22 AM
Bad talk
you did your part and that is all that counts, the devil wants to really make something of it. GOD bless you.
(35) Vanessa, June 24, 2019 3:59 AM
forgiveness
Hashem always shows us the true path to take.
Our beloved Creator unlike us knew Ishmael's future, and yet He chose life in that moment.
Who are we, all of us to judge the future actions of another--who can know another's destiny?
To emulate our Creator is to love what He loves which is all of us.
He gave us life therefore we are wanted, needed, and loved.
To live here on this earth is to grow and change.
(34) Anonymous, June 24, 2019 1:14 AM
I don’t blame Harvard
Seems like his earlier comments showed shame for being Jewish, which seems to be more common these days. I am not sure his change of heart was sincere!
(33) Anonymous, June 23, 2019 10:38 PM
Harsh result for a 16 year old's foolish talk
A comparison to the Miraglim or Moshe Rabbainu is invalid. They were much older and much wiser when they made their errors. A young man of 16 is supposed to get a measure of leeway, provided he does not continue his errors. If Kyle were not the son of an Israeli expatriate couple, if he had advocated gun control would he still have had his acceptance to Harvard rescinded? Those who know will not admit their adult bias even when Kyle admitted and rejected his. Shame on Harvard.
(32) Lucie Anderson, June 22, 2019 10:27 PM
What would have changed the committee's mind?
I cannot help but wonder ….
- Was his application already in the dismissed file before his response even reached their review?
- Was this a "fake" opportunity, given just to appease their own consciences, or to protect themselves in the public's eye?
- By offering Kyle the opportunity to explain and redeem himself, what was Harvard's committee wanting to see in his letter that would have changed their minds? What was missing in his explanation, that could have turned the winds in his favor?
Can Harvard answer these?
I would love for them to send Kyle a letter of acceptance, for him to have the pleasure of refusing them.
Keep your head up high, Kyle. Hashem has greater plans for you. He may be saving you from greater unfair attacks in that place.
(31) Rfriedman, June 22, 2019 6:29 PM
Harvard cont.
I thought some more and prayed for you Kyle. I prayed that you might be just the young man with a good strong character and nature that Hashem can give you an idea to. Create a syllabus detailing a fabulous plan for school safety and you’d instantly become an entrapanure. Then develop the company to design the products to install in schools. I know you sound mature and I say Mazel Tov to be a man to acknowledge immature actions way before Parkland shooting. You seem to have great chutzpah! Don’t quit praying and asking a lot of questions to help you achieve the visionary person you are. Then go to Y’srael and let Y’srael buy your syllabus as well as roducts to secure Y’srael’s schools. Yep Hashem can make you a great entrepreneur and that can help you become a great philanthropist maybe get a Noble peace prize for working on creating a strong safety system then no one will ever remember words of a you teenager that came up with a great safety program.
(30) Mary Jo, June 22, 2019 4:50 PM
Harvard is anti Semitic.
Harvard may be one of the Universities in the world that has a name for being a great school. For them to have crushed this young man’s dream of going to their famous school, because at a young age he spoke ill words about Jews is ridiculous. Yes, everything that we say or do has consequences. However, I see this consequence as a blessing in disguise for this young man. Harvard is not what everyone seems to think - it is a very liberal school, with professors who are responsible for much of the liberalism that we see brewing today. Harvard is no what it used to be!
(29) Reuven Frank, June 21, 2019 2:37 PM
Second chance
It's really hard to say exactly what is "right" here without knowing BOTH what Kyle said in his rant(s) AND what he said in his remorse.
I certainly think he deserves a chance to sit with the registrar and to talk and explain.
OTOH is where Kyle is coming from and what motivated his remarks.
OTOH is Harvard's OWN record and history of antisemitism.
Where is the right?
What is "correct"?
We're dealing with humans and there isn't any absolute black or white here.
I still think he deserves to be heard.
BUT
We need to look at what he actually said.
(28) David Chester, June 21, 2019 7:59 AM
On being aware of one's faults
In common with the claim that a returner to our faith (or ba'al tsuva) is regarded as one who has decided to accept our beliefs after denying them, being better than another who never doubted, so too is a person who is sincere in his asking for forgiveness for mistakes made earlier in his life compare to a good but steady college graduate who has never tried to repent.
(27) Anonymous, June 21, 2019 12:31 AM
Today we should treat antisemitic Jews and non Jews in the same level.
There are so many antisemitic Jews and against Israel in our days that this case doesn't come as a surprise, therefore, his non acceptance to Harvard will serve as a lesson to others. Today we should treat antisemitic Jews and non Jews in the same level. Sorry but I am fed up with irresponsible Jews who never learned the lessons of past genocides and persecution done to Jewish people. My blood boils when I hear senator Sanders or professor Shomsky say awful things about Israel and I dream for a day to just meet them in order to express my disgust to them.
Silky Pitterman, June 21, 2019 2:34 AM
age should equal maturaty
Yes, it should make everyone's blood boil when adults like Senator Sanders or Professor Shomsky say "awful things". They are adults. The Left also loves every word that comes out of their mouths.
I don't think you can compare that to a 16 year old. 16 years olds say dumb things. They are not quite children but not quite adults.
His non acceptance to Harvard will teach no one. Harvard was wrong.
Anonymous, June 21, 2019 3:20 PM
I understand age makes a difference
I understand age makes a difference, and I understand too that when it comes to Harvard and their antisemitic past, it sounds a bit hipocritical, but how do we know he regrets his views on Jewish people in order to get into Harvard?
I believe that antisemitism from Jewish people is more dangerous than coming from non Jewish people, they are legitimizing what the others want to hear, and that legitimacy probably gave rise to BDS because many Jewish people are also involved in the movement, we need to stop this and best way is to teach humanity not to be racist and if you are you will suffer consequences.
There is lot of ignorance out there on Jewish people and on Israel, not only the key for peace is at the hands on Hamas, Hisballah, Syria, Iran, but also, Jewish people are moral, ethical good people, and racism is an old tradition, it is so unjust!
Anonymous, June 21, 2019 3:26 PM
Kyle will succeed anywhere!
Just to add, that Kyle will succeed anywhere, he doesn't need to get into Harvard to do it, he seems extremely intelligent and he will succeed no matter where he goes, and to avoid stigma, he just need not to talk about it anymore and go on with his life. Wish him well and hope this lesson will serve him to think before he talks.
Anonymous, June 21, 2019 10:53 PM
Freedom of expression
To add one more thing, I advocate hundred percent freedom of expression, but never at the expense of lies and racism! Of bringing back old antisemitism! There is not reason at all whatsoever to treat people with contempt , to diminish them, to wish them bad without sufficient knowledge to justify it, as I said before, there is lot of ignorance out there about the middle eastern conflict, I just passed by a group of church people protesting :" Gaza should be free", Israelis should stop massacring Palestinians" again, ignorance, they don't know that Gaza is free, on top of it, what they don't know is that if Palestinians send missiles , Israelis need to retaliate! Just to prove to you that all these BDS, and other movements are completely ignorant about reality of the situation. And Jews should never side with ignorance , should better know!
(26) Klaudya, June 20, 2019 10:40 PM
I think, Kyle has now an opportunity to do some serious soul searching. Whatever he said/text at 16 ,has roots in something, what is/was that? anti Semitic comments from a Jew? what can we expect from others?
Before thinking on Harvard or any other college, he may benefit from a year studying Torah in a Yeshiva - to discover the beauty of his heritage, to get close to Hashem to guide his life moving forward. Take the rejection with humility, forgiveness doesn't mean that we don't face consequences.
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 11:19 PM
Yes. Though some here might disagree, racist language, ie, lashon hara/motzei sheym-ra against a whole population is no joke; we Yidden should appreciate this, from experience AND the strict halacha!
Yes. Though some here might disagree, racist language, ie, lashon hara/motzei sheym-ra against a whole population is no joke; we Yidden should appreciate this, from experience AND the strict halacha!
Yoni, June 21, 2019 9:59 PM
Good point
This is probably the best thing that happened to him. Instead of spending the next few years rotting in the far in the far left cesspool of thought that is Harvard, perhaps he’ll go to a place that teaches more worthy ideals, maybe even to a yeshiva! Then he can thank G-d for allowing Harvard to keep him out of their asylum.
(25) , June 20, 2019 10:02 PM
"Monopoly money" forgiveness either penalty not always the answer
“My words fly up, My thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to heaven go” Claudius, in Shakespeare's Hamlet. 3 things seem to flow ever more copiously on today's society; in decreasing order of prevalence: 1) self-centered, often narcissistic callous maltreatment of others; 2, "forgiveness" doled out like Monopoly money (often understood in transactional terms: If I forgive, I'll get forgiven myself); 3) verbalized apologies, declarations of contrition. Yet, in our tradition, koach hadibor and the achorias it entails are taken with supreme seriousness. As a non-Jewish comedian once put it "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words do permanent damage." The Torah seems to after, and perhaps so should we. Moshe Rabbeinu was denied ADMISSION to Eretz Yisroel because although commanded to use DIBOR to enact compassion and bring geula to B'nei Yisroel, he acted violently and struck the rock, substituting violence for proper discourse, violence for peace. He absorbed the aggression around him (the complaining Israelites) and copied the unruliness in his action, violating his role as teacher. The meraglim similarly abused koach hadibor in their lashon Hara against the land. Could any amount of (professed teshuveh) undo the onesh, and reinstate their "admission"? No; mido kenegdo mida. Their violation of dibor was m'vatel their own teshuveh, which lost credibility by having corrupted their own tongues. So Kyle Kashuv after trampling on his achorias to use dibor properly and constructively, using it to spew hate and viciousness, wants us (or Harvard) to trust his dibor now. "This dibor listen to, that one ignore." Moshe Rabbeinu didn't try it, the meraglim didn't try it. Now we say it's fine for Kashuv because he wants to go to Hahvad. And you folks say he was young. Oh, didn't he turn thirteen at some point? Don't we ascribe some importance to that age? Oh, I forgot. That's the age you have a big party and get a lot of money.
(24) Jolie Greiff, June 20, 2019 7:51 PM
Thanks
Thank you for this excellent article. After the Cavenaugh disaster I was ready to hold this young man responsible for his disgusting comments. But Ms. Gruen convinced me that he (unlike Cavenaugh) not only took responsibility, but did real teshuva. Hope Harvard reconsiders.
Regina, June 21, 2019 7:05 PM
The Kavanaugh "disaster"...
...was a shameful character assassination, and the 'disaster' from where I sit it that there were too many JEWISH LEGISLATORS LEADING THE CHARGE. NO EVIDENCE =NO GUILT.
To this day, I wish I could personally apologize to Judge Kavanaugh and ask for his forgiveness re the Jews who were involved.
Yoni, June 21, 2019 10:08 PM
Liberal democrat character assassination
It’s clear to all unbiased people that the assault on Judge Kavanaugh was pure politics of those who didn’t want a conservative judge appointment. And yes, unfortunately many of those are far left liberal democrat Jews
Rachel, June 23, 2019 7:10 AM
Your opinion
And it’s clear to me that neither J Thomas nor J Kavanaugh were subjected to character assassination, but were not even held accountable for their inappropriate behavior. I would at least cut Kavanaugh some slack because he was underage, although that doesn’t excuse what he did.
I would suggest you speak to the women in your life. You may be shocked to learn what women have to go through.
Regina, June 25, 2019 2:38 AM
WRONG
NO EVIDENCE = NOT GUILTY.
I'm a woman and, frankly, the whole 'me too' movement has done more damage than good to those women who were and are truly victims of sexual assault.
Judge Kavanaugh WAS subjected to character assassination.
How you could say otherwise truly baffles me.
(23) Anonymous, June 20, 2019 7:46 PM
It simply does not matter...
He should not need Harvard to define himself as a good student. Let us, keep in mind, that throughout history they lured people to do things they might otherwise not have done, by first turning it into s.th. "prestigeous". Add to this a society that withholds social support and recognition .... An extreme example of such society is nazi Germany and Hitler's elite troups whose members , for the sake of social recognition became not just obediant (as research made it look later on) but ENTHUSIASTIC henchmen . Also the GDR's AGITPROP works by that principle. It rewarded those that complied with social recognition ostracising those that did not comply by granting them only non-prestigeous jobs at the fringe of society. Now, I do not want to suggest that Harvard is a totalitarian system. All I am saying is that there is a certain danger that lures particularly the young to compromise the self for a certain kind of recognition that in and of itself is totally meaningless and empty. .A mature good student should be independent of that. . As to learning, in many fields you not only don't need Harvard, no, you do not need any University at alll, particularly if you reside in the U.S.. You just do your thing and then take a test. This is possible in ALMOST any field and especially at the undergraduate level. Though it sounds paradoxical: Nobody should be less in need of Harvard than a Harvard candidate. if he is really a promising student and deserving of the scores he obviously has, he simply should not NEED Harvard in the first place.. Incidentally, employers just love it if you can present good results of tests you took as an autodidact. For the arts it holds true even more. Haydn was a street musician and mainly self taught, so was Vincent v. Gogh. In a nutshell: You are what you are and know what you do with and without "Harvard".
(22) Gregg, June 20, 2019 5:51 PM
What did he say in chat room?
How can you objectively judge Harvard’s decision to rescind his admission without knowing exactly what he said?
(21) Andrea Schonberger, June 20, 2019 5:38 PM
This is the limit
A Jew making anti-Semitic statements is unforgiveable. Period--no ands, ifs, or buts. Yes I made dumb remarks when I was 16 but not racist/anti-Semitic ones--my parents would have whipped the daylights out of me for speaking such filth. His parents obviously failed in their duty. I'm sorry that he won't be attending Harvard but not that sorry. Harvard can afford to pick and choose and they can do better than this.
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 7:22 PM
Thinking same thing..
Harvard has Soooo many amazing kids to pick from .. why would they choose someone with hatred talk on their record . In this day everything is seen and heard and adults as well as 16 year old kids need to think before they hurt people. He got caught and now has to face the consequence . Hopefully he has learned to treat others with respect and role model tolerance not bully talk.
(20) Anonymous, June 20, 2019 5:01 PM
KYLE'S ORDEAL WITH HARVARD'S REVERSAL
There is nobody whose past does not contain some of their less judicious actions, statements, and beliefs. Personally, I concur that the favorable decision reversal has an underlying political meme. All of us have been engaged in less than stellar things in our past. Unfortunately, Kyle's indiscretions at 16 years of age were caught on social media, the medium from which Kyle has been obviously doxxed and attacked by some of his adversaries and envious peers. The innocuous albeit conservative statements Kyle purportedly made subsequent to the Parkland shooting probably elicited some contempt from the liberal media and other students (David Hogg), who have seemingly made a career out of Gun Control, NRA hatred, etc. A functional equivalence can be observed frequently when a conservative talk show host enrages the Far Left Progressives. Indeed, these irate progressives literally and figuratively engage in a retaliatory and preemptive struck by inundating the talk show host's advertisers with threats of boycott if the host is not fired, or contract canceled. This is essentially the type of pusillanimous and retaliatory action that Kyle's peers and detractors used against him. Harvard was undoubtedly provided with snippets of online quotes by Kyle as a 16 year old, not to mention the Harvard's admission's department was undoubtedly deluged by hundreds if not thousands of emails, etc. These are extremely common contemporary tactics by George Soros-funded PACS and other groups. These tactics are cowardly and frequently entail a timely leak of sensitive or even untrue allegations in politics. With the internet and 24/7 breaking news, one must exercise caution and discretion with social media posts. Attorneys and law enforcement agencies regularly check social media accounts of applicants, litigants, and applicants
(19) Deanna Saltzman, June 20, 2019 4:20 PM
Remorse was not enough
Because of a grudge others had against him his life is forever changed. But he will rebound and do well wherever he goes. This is not to say Harvard was tight in their decision There are plenty of people just like him who are presently matriculating at Harvard who are protected by free speech. what happened to his rights of free speech?
(18) Anonymous, June 20, 2019 3:35 PM
So many with a clean record..
Harvard has Many Many applicants that do not have an obvious blemish on their record . So therefore they can choose only what they consider the best??♀️.. unfortunately he and his friends have to learn the hard way to change their words and thinking . Many gov’t officials and college professors etc. seem to have blemished past and continue in their jobs . However, That doesn’t mean it’s right but people can and do change hopefully for the better. Harvard was not meant for you .. another great school will be the right choice even though it is hard to see at this moment...Just Believe !
(17) David MacKAY, June 20, 2019 3:34 PM
Political Correctness at Harvard
Political correctnes is the first step on the path to Fascism - Harvard is well on the way.
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 11:52 PM
PC is one (small) step toward fascism; racist language one GIANT LEAP toward fascism/against mankind
PC is one small step toward fascism; racist language one GIANT LEAP toward fascism/against mankind
(16) Anonymous, June 20, 2019 3:33 PM
Throw a stone in water and will ripple away
Dying flies make putrid and foamy the oil of a perfumer; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor. Kohelet 10:1.
I digress with your article. Yes Judaism sees the present and judges your present actions, but your past has a consequence and it may get you longer than what you wished. When your heart has been polluted you must show sincere remorse and a true conviction that what you did was actually wrong, still you are held responsible for what you did and said before, to this day. People in the USA tend to be oblivion and mellow especially with adolescents. Consider wisdom even at a young age and bind it in your heart, it will never come out of you. But you must be responsible and actively search for wisdom and seldom do that at age 16. I also said stupid remarks when I was young and learnt my lessons the harsh way, and I'm happy for the learning process. I'm no longer 16 but almost 60 and yes! much wiser, and it wasn't easy to deal with the consequences of my actions. He should also learn that fish die by their mouth.
(15) Anonymous, June 20, 2019 3:06 PM
Kashuv: psychiatrical estimation of a teen boy
I forgot before clicking! to tell you that I was thinking that your Kashuv as a "Blick" of a psychotic-high-smart personality (...) and a schizoid behavior and all your stuff about judgement was also beside the Problem!
I would like to know what are thinking Harvards Medics about the guy!?
Warmest regards
Jankel (retired psychiatrist)
(14) Stephen Alinikoff, June 20, 2019 3:00 PM
Amen
Amen
(13) Jankel, June 20, 2019 3:00 PM
Why do you say nothing about the development process of this Teen boy who seems to be smart but somehow Perverse (as a Structure: who seems manipulating and dubious.?
Your blabla doesn't tell and explain anything but focuses on Jewish law and mentality which are not the topic.; as you don't relate at all, the Two problems and have not given any serious detail to judge the whole situation : Kashuv's very bizarre mental intellectual behavior and how do we judge people and facts in Judaism cannot be related so and any conclusion taken!?
Judy Gruen, June 20, 2019 4:14 PM
Jewish law/outlook is the point
Jankel, I was obviously not in a position to write about the development process of Kyle Kashuv; I don't know him and could not make any conclusions. This incident has become newsworthy in large measure because this young man also became a school safety advocate after having survived the Parkland high school shootings. While I have sympathy for those who agree that at 16, he should have to "face the music" for his rants, he seems demonstrably to have changed and matured. The "rant" also seemed to be a one-time event. Judaism emphasizes repentance and forgiveness; Harvard was unwilling to even meet with him for a discussion.
IrisB, June 20, 2019 4:41 PM
Harvard was correct in rescinding
Every years Harvard and other similarly esteemed universities receive thousands of applications from very highly qualified students. Alas, not all will be admitted to their 1st choice college. Harvard accepts roughly 1,750 students each year and have to say no to thousands more who are likewise qualified. Most of those students will rank in the top 5% of their high school class with similar SATs and unique extra-curricular activities. Not an easy decision for Harvard.
Mr. Kashuv has demonstrated the maturity to excel in his studies, but he did not have the maturity back when he was 16 to keep his racist and anti-Semitic rants in his head. In that vein, Mr. Kashuv failed miserably. He may be sorry and remorseful now, but it may be an act because he was caught. Harvard has determined that they do not want a student who demonstrated that lack of maturity and has rescinded their admission to Mr. Kashuv. NOW, another student who has not demonstrated that they are racist, anti-Semitic or immature will have a spot at Harvard. Good for them.
Mr. Kashuv has no one to blame but himself. If he was truly remorseful for his misdeeds, he would have appealed to Harvard privately and not try to garner public opinion in his corner and try to bully Harvard into changing their mind again. I wish he would show the maturity he claims to have achieved and accept that what he says and writes has consequences.
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 5:32 PM
Kyle Kashuv will have lots more chances to redeem himself
His life has note ended. With determination, hard work and lev tov/good heart, he should have lots of opportunity in the future to show his true colors. For now it's a little early, I think, for anyone to make a solid judgment on him or Harvard. I also think Schlomo Schwartz (13) raises a fair question.
Anonymous, June 23, 2019 7:15 AM
He survived a massacre
While his comments were horrific, this boy survived a school shooting. Going through that was likely a life-changing experience. I don’t understand why so many here are so quick to judge.
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 10:31 PM
Not a one time rant, apparently
Have not researched it, but I read that this is part of a broader problem of demeaning language and insults. It's a very important point, so as the article's author, this may be your histadlus/due diligence.
(12) Schlomo Schwartz, June 20, 2019 2:55 PM
I wonder if your forgiveness would be extended if her was not jewish
I wonder if your forgiveness would be extended if here was not a Jew
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 3:23 PM
Probably not
Had Mr. Kashuv not been a Jew, the people begging for Harvard to forgive him would be mute. Among the the things Mr. Kashuv posted were anti-Semitic screed as well. His actions were deplorable and Harvard is correct to rescind admission.
(11) Anonymous, June 20, 2019 2:55 PM
I disagree
Sixteen years old is old enough to know that that sort of bigoted language is unacceptable in the U.S. in the 21st century. If conservative bakers don’t have to make cakes for gay people, then Harvard doesn’t have to accept bigots. Besides, the fact that he did that would suggest that maybe he isn’t really smart enough for Harvard.
(10) Anonymous, June 20, 2019 2:47 PM
Kyle Kashuv and Harvard
The shame of this situation falls on Harvard's Dean of Admissions and those participating in the admission debate. Political? Yes! Harvard, like many other noted universities across the country has become a breeding ground of racism and anti-Semitism. It is permitting speakers and professors on campus and in the classrooms, helping to spread the venomous ideas glaringly out in the open now, thanks to a Congress and President who stir up the hate and violence. For Harvard, this is one way to toss out one more Jew.
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 3:21 PM
Breeding ground
If Harvard was indeed a breeding ground for racism and anti-Semitism as you claim, Mr. Kashuv would have been an excellent fit. They would never have rescinded their acceptance.
(9) MESA, June 20, 2019 1:35 PM
We are constantly hearing people preaching about forgiveness even when the wrongdoer has shown no remorse or regret. Our answer is that wrongdoers shouldn't be let off the hook ESPECIALLY if they've shown no remorse or regret. Kyle took responsibility for what he did and has shown remorse and regret. To me, Harvard's rescinding his admission is nothing more than political grandstanding. There is so much anti-semitism going on there and they just want to look as if they're doing something about it.
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 3:18 PM
Are you certain his remorse is sincere?
How are you certain that Mr. Kashuv is sincere in his remorse, or is only saying he is sorry and has grown merely to get Harvard to re-admit him? Maybe he is only sorry because he got outed and now has to pay the consequences.
Harvard was correct.
(8) Aaron Michaels, June 20, 2019 8:17 AM
Forgiveness,
I am not a christian, and I do not believe in forgiving people, but in reasoning with people, and settling things in order, sometimes some things are not forgivable and require justice or some form of rule, recompense or wage of some sort. Unfortunately, there is so much evil in the world and inside of us..As a human being, it is hard for me to deal with such things as forgiveness.
(7) Regina, June 19, 2019 7:09 PM
The elephant in the room
Apart from all of the above, why isn't anyone wondering why, in addition to horrible anti-black statements, did A BOY WITH 2 JEWISH PARENTS MAKE ANTI-JEWISH STATEMENTS. TO A GROUP OF FRIENDS - apparently one trying to out do the other, according to the report. How come no spotlight here? Isn't anyone besides me scratching his/her head trying to understand what that was all about? The son of 2 Israelis - ??self-hating Jews? How are we to understand this?
As far as Harvard, they knew he was pro-gun when they offered him admission - maybe someone decided to smear him (the 2 anti-gun survivors that were accepted??) and seek that his admission be revoked.
Who knows - I still have to wonder what was really behind all of this behavior. AM YISROEL CHAI.
Shelly, June 20, 2019 3:40 PM
What I Was Thinking
Thank you for your comment. I was thinking the same thing. Why would a Jewish person make anti Semitic comments? Self hating Jew? Spineless to stand up to other anti semites? Glad Harvard rejected him.
(6) Anonymous, June 19, 2019 6:05 PM
I agree with Harvard
a) Harvard is a private institution and can make their own rules about character and admission...they are being consistent with their own decision to rescind admission of a dozen others that were found to have posted odious remarks on social media...(b) only 5% are admitted to Harvard...they have the ability to CREATE a CLASS of people that have a certain CHEMISTRY and may have felt that when this came to light, he wouldn't have fit in with that group of freshmen (I'm too old for social media, but I kept journals and wrote lots of letters...and you'd have to look very hard through my stuff at 16 to find ANYTHING objectionable...I would NEVER have used the language he so casually was fine with putting online (c) THIS is exactly the lesson our young people need to learn about the power of social media and they need to start understanding that WORDS MATTER!...and (d) he can find another college to go to...Harvard comes with so many intangible "perks" that they have EVERY RIGHT to hold their NAME up to a higher standard...and someone that will call themselves an "alum" of their school to be a certain sort of person...it is a PRIVILEGE that this young man did not EARN...his upset is part of his entitled view of himself and his "white privilege" to begin with...go to any other college...if he's smart enough to have been accepted there on his grades and test scores...MANY other colleges will be happy to have him...he needs to start focusing on his future...and learn the life lesson...and MOVE ON...and stop whining about a situation he himself set up...and put into motion...(Most of us would have been able to accept the decision quietly and with some HUMILITY...rather than use it to try to BULLY Harvard to change their minds by, once again, turning to the social media platforms to throw a tantrum (further proof of his lack of dignity and humility)...I would have told NO ONE and quietly gone about taking my gap year and applying elsewhere}
Anonymous, June 20, 2019 3:15 PM
great response to the situation
Thank you for your response and points well made. What some defenders of Mr. Kashuv fail to understand is that going to Harvard is not a right that comes automatic simply because one has excellent grades. Mr. Kashuv did not earn a spot at Harvard, plain and simple.
Stanley T, June 20, 2019 6:31 PM
He did earn a spot
Actually he DID earn a spot at Harvard. It was rescinded when his comments were brought to light. You have completely missed the point of this article.
Alan S., June 20, 2019 9:00 PM
Actually, anonymous was more right (?) than you Stanley.
Only this guy's "bleached" out record was 'admitted', not the full measure of the man. Had he initially admitted his horrible mistake on his application, he likely would not have been admitted. His application was incomplete, and Harvard had a right to rescind their offer once his complete application was in their hands. It would obviously be different if they initially admitted him with full knowledge of his mistakes and then rescinded once it became known.
(5) Dvirah, June 19, 2019 4:54 PM
Motivation
I think it is it's own reputation Harvard is concerned about; and this is an easier course of action than rooting out true antisemites on their staff.
(4) Raymond, June 19, 2019 2:35 PM
More Leftist Intolerance
It has now become abundantly clear to me that the real reason why Harvard rejected Kyle Kashuv was not over any foolish comments he made one night as a teenager, but rather the fact that he is a political conservative, and if there is one thing that the Political Left has zero tolerance for, it is for anybody who dares to challenge the Marxist indoctrination of the Political Left.
Hopefully there is some university out there who will be smart enough to welcome the presence of Kyle Kashuv.
IrisB, June 20, 2019 3:12 PM
Harvard knew he was a conservative
Harvard was well aware of Mr Kashuv's conservative leanings prior to accepting him. It was part of his application process, wherein he extolled his leadership role in conservative causes (pro-gun rights).
Harvard rescinded their acceptance based on Mr. Kashuv's anti-Semitic, racist, sexist hate speech. I applaud them for that.
(3) Yoni, June 19, 2019 2:04 PM
Harvard is Leftist and Liberal
Like me st Ivy League universities, Harvard is a cesspool of extreme leftist liberalism. The double standard is glaring. They accepted students such as Husam El-Qoulaq, who while at Harvard made vile anti Semitic comments and barely apologized for it and they will rescinded this mans acceptance after a heartfelt apology. I think you hit the nail on the head when you showed what his political positions are. The far left wing only respects freedom of speech as long as you agree with them.
Canuck, June 20, 2019 5:02 PM
Thank you, Yoni, for saying it like it is.
You are bang on with your "cesspool" comment. Up here in Canada, nearly all institutions (including universities as well as the govt.) are afflicted with the stench of leftwing political correctness. Just a few years ago Omar Khadr, a convicted terrorist & murderer, was repatriated to Canada after having been in a U.S. prison. Our PM Trudeau (or, i should day, the Canadian taxpayers) awarded Khadr $10,500,000 for his inconvenience (being in prison). The excuse was that Khadr had been "just 15" when he committed the murder. But hey, that was merely 1 year younger than Kyle Kashuv when he made those scandalous comments.
(2) Anonymous, June 19, 2019 1:29 PM
Mr. Kashuv has plenty to be sorry for, but I will not judge Harvard except to say...
For many years now, many colleges have suffocated free speech with the BDS movement infecting many college activities. Both Mr. Kashuv and Harvard have done wrong here. In a way, Harvard and Mr. Kashuv both deserve each other.
(1) Nancy, June 19, 2019 10:58 AM
I am having a change of heart
Yesterday I commented that I felt he needed to reap what he has sown. However, after reading what you have written I am reconsidering my viewpoint. I did and said MANY stupid things at the age of 16! If indeed this young man is truly remorseful then Harvard should admit him to their university.
susan, June 23, 2019 6:49 PM
One can be forgiven and yet required to face the consequences of one's actions. I don't understand the unquestioning support for him, and frankly, I don't believe him. He could prove prove me wrong by going away quietly, doing good work, and expecting nothing. Harvard is not under obligation to accept this person, and as far as him being a "child" below the age of accountability at the time, he was not.