Eliana Hung Atienza, a University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) student, has become a prominent figure in campus activism, aligning herself with groups like Penn Against the Occupation (PAO) and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). Her actions reveal a pattern of promoting extremist ideologies, supporting controversial figures, and justifying violence, raising concerns about her influence on campus and beyond.
Eliana Hung Atienza’s History of Extremism
- Defense of Terrorism:
Acting as a coordinator for Fossil Free Penn, a climate activism group, Atienza signed a statement in October 2023 justifying the Hamas terrorist war crimes committed on October 7, 2023. The statement framed the massacre of Israeli civilians as “Palestinian resistance efforts.” - Participation in Illegal Encampments:
On May 9, 2024, Atienza was among six students suspended by UPenn for refusing to vacate an illegal encampment on campus. This led to her temporary expulsion from university accommodations. Despite her affluent background, she publicly claimed homelessness to garner sympathy. - Media Appearance with Antisemitic Figures:
On May 12, 2024, Atienza appeared in a YouTube video with antisemitic journalist Owen Jones, criticizing UPenn for shutting down the encampments. - Collaboration with Extremists:
Atienza participated in an August 31, 2024, “teach-in” and fundraiser with Susan Abulhawa, a known antisemite and terrorism advocate, organized by the Racial Justice Organizing Committee (RJOC). The RJOC has been accused of promoting radical and divisive ideologies. - Alignment with Pro-Iran Activism:
In December 2024, Atienza appeared alongside Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the radical anti-American group Code Pink, further solidifying her association with individuals and organizations that propagate extremist views.
Implications:
Eliana Hung Atienza’s continued involvement with extremist figures and organizations, her justifications of terrorism, and her participation in divisive activism highlight her as a concerning influence within the academic and activist communities. Her actions undermine constructive dialogue and foster division, raising alarms about the normalization of radical ideologies on campuses.
