Duncan Kennedy is a retired Harvard Law professor with a long history of promoting antisemitic rhetoric and supporting movements that demonize the Jewish state. Through his academic influence and participation in controversial events, Kennedy has advanced narratives that delegitimize Israel and fuel hostility towards Jews on campus.
Kennedy’s continued platforming of extremist perspectives—including his endorsement of the One-State Solution conference and his characterization of Israel’s actions as “genocidal”—contribute to an environment that emboldens antisemitic discourse and marginalizes Jewish students on campus.
Affiliated Movements and Events
- Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement – Advocates for boycotting Israel, falsely equating it with South African apartheid.
- The One-State Conference (2012) – Promoted the dissolution of Israel as a Jewish state, alongside other anti-Israel academics and activists.
Duncan Kennedy’s Actions
Support for Extremist Movements
- 2010: Defended the BDS movement in a Harvard Law debate, drawing false parallels between Israel and apartheid South Africa.
- 2014: Reaffirmed his support for BDS in an interview with Unbound, a Harvard leftist legal review, calling it one of the only solutions to change Israel’s policies.
Promotion of Antisemitic Rhetoric
- 2012: Featured as one of the keynote panelists at the infamous One-State Conference at Harvard, an event dedicated to eliminating Israel as a Jewish state.
- 2014: Labeled Israel an “apartheid regime” in a Harvard publication, reinforcing false narratives that fuel hostility toward Jews.
A Dangerous Influence on Students
Duncan Kennedy’s rhetoric and activism have contributed to a campus climate where antisemitic narratives are normalized under the guise of academic discourse. By defending the BDS movement, participating in events that deny Israel’s right to exist, and accusing Israel of genocide, Kennedy provides intellectual cover for extremist ideologies. His continued influence at Harvard Law School has helped embolden anti-Israel activism while disregarding the real dangers posed by Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
