Carnegie Mellon DEI Chief Linked to Sanctioned Palestinian Group, Qatar-Funded Salary
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is currently facing scrutiny due to its top official in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Elizabeth Rosemeyer. She has been embroiled in an anti-Semitism discrimination lawsuit and previously served as an international liaison for a Palestinian NGO linked to terrorism, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), which was sanctioned by the U.S. State Department.
Key Facts about Elizabeth Rosemeyer and PCHR
Elizabeth Rosemeyer is the Assistant Vice Provost for DEI and Title IX Coordinator at CMU.
Her role includes directing the university’s strategies for addressing discrimination. Before her tenure at CMU, she worked for PCHR, a group founded in 1995 by a former member of the terrorist organization Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
- Rosemeyer worked for PCHR in the Gaza Strip from July 1996 to July 1997.
- She was responsible for grant proposals and communications during her time there.
- The U.S. State Department sanctioned PCHR in September for colluding with the International Criminal Court against Israeli nationals.
Implications of the Ongoing Lawsuit
The discrimination lawsuit, filed by former student Yael Canaan, alleges CMU fosters an anti-Semitic culture. Canaan claims that Professor Mary-Lou Arscott made several anti-Semitic remarks, including suggesting a project that explored negative stereotypes about Jews.
Canaan contends that Rosemeyer not only dismissed her concerns but also discouraged her from filing a formal complaint. Rosemeyer has been identified as a critical figure in this case.
Significantly, it has emerged that Rosemeyer’s position at CMU is partially funded by Qatar, a country known for its ties to Hamas. The Qatari government has invested over $1 billion in CMU’s Doha satellite campus, raising concerns regarding its influence on university policies.
Financial Support and Qatari Influence
The lawsuit brought forth details that hint at how Qatari funding might impact CMU. Judge W. Scott Hardy noted that funds from Qatar could create a bias within the university.
- Qatar has been a major donor to CMU, contributing significantly to its Doha campus.
- Concerns have been raised about potential anti-Semitic influences stemming from Qatari financial support.
Carnegie Mellon has denied the allegations of fostering anti-Semitism. However, they admitted that part of Rosemeyer’s salary comes from Qatari funding.
PCHR’s Background and Activities
PCHR has a history of supporting Hamas and has published statements about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that some view as biased against Israel.
Notably, the organization has been vocal in its criticism of Israeli actions, especially following significant escalations in violence. The group has also been linked to the PFLP, a designated terrorist organization.
The ongoing scrutiny regarding Rosemeyer and the lawsuit highlights larger issues surrounding university governance and funding sources, particularly those that may influence campus climates regarding sensitive topics like anti-Semitism and discrimination.
