Rowan warns that apathy is the worst outcome for universities currently facing donor pressure.
“I think the worst thing that can happen to these universities is apathy. Right now there's not apathy. Donors are engaged. They want change.”
Rowan lists America's advantages: immigration demand, knowledge base, energy, technology, market size, and military strength.
“Think about it. People want to come here. We have an incredible knowledge base. We have abundant energy. We're leaders in technology. We have a massive domestic market. We're the strongest military power.”
Rowan uses 9/11 analogy to criticize Penn's qualified response to attacks on Israel.
“You know, imagine telling a group of firefighters a week after nine eleven that you're sorry for their loss, and then adding the word but as if you're going to explain the action of the terrorist.”
Rowan reveals four Jewish board members including himself were asked to step down after signing an open letter.
“In the background, there are three trustees and one chairman in my instance who are being asked to step off the board, all of whom signed this open letter, disagreeing with what the university is doing, and all four of us Jewish.”
Rowan says the question is whether President McGill is the right person to manage the problem.
“This is not president McGill didn't create this problem. The question is, is she the right person to manage this problem?”
Rowan quotes Rabbi Sacks distinguishing good leaders who create followers from great leaders who create leaders.
“He said, good leaders create followers, great leaders create more leaders. That is what I see looking at all of you.”