Questions raised about antisemitic Peay Endowment professor

As first reported in an October 25, 2024 article by Accuracy in Media (AIM), Philip Crane '16, a visiting professor in VMI's International Studies Department, served as the secretary to the controversial Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SPIA) Palestine Working Group (PWG) from 2022 to 2024 while studying for his master's degree. The Palestine Working Group is often associated with broader movements advocating for Palestinian rights, including the Columbia University Apartheid Divest, which calls for the university to divest from companies perceived to be complicit in the Israeli occupation. Critics of these groups argue that their activities and statements can sometimes align with more radical elements within the Palestinian solidarity movement, raising concerns about the potential for extremism in their messaging. A joint letter signed by PWG blamed Israel for the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Gaza stating, "The weight of responsibility for the war and casualties undeniably lies with the Israeli extremist government and other Western governments, including the U.S. government, which fund and staunchly support Israeli aggression, apartheid and settler-colonization." The large-scale attack on Israel, resulted in significant civilian casualties. Reports indicated that more than 1,200 men, women, and children were killed. According to the U.S. Department of state this included 46 Americans and citizens of foreign countries. Many girls and women were the victims of sexual assault. As of October 25, 2024 more than 60 living hostages and the bodies of some 35 others are estimated to remain in Gaza according to the Israeli Defense force (IDF). A number of them died in captivity and others remain held. The letter Crane signed concluded by justifying Hamas's attack as their right against Israeli aggression. "Finally," the letter stated, "we remind Columbia students that the Palestinian struggle for freedom is rooted in international law, under which occupied peoples have the right to resist the occupation of their land." According to media reports and AIM's investigation, other group leaders later distanced themselves from the letter but Crane did not. A feature article published by the VMI Alumni Agencies announcing the 2023 – 2024 Peay Merit Scholars highlighted Crane as a former scholar on the current VMI Faculty. The Peay endowment, according to the article, "was meant to fund a bold program consisting of four elements, each of which is important to VMI's academic future: Merit scholarships, faculty chairs, fellowships, and operational resources." According to Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper '66, who serves as the endowment's chairman. Jumper '66 was president of the VMI Board of Visitors (BOV) when the Peay endowment plan was first presented. "The program spoke for itself." Recalled Jumper according to the article, "It was plain how each element would improve academics and, therefore, sharpen our competitive edge." The Peay fellowship is funded completely by alumni donations. "It's morally outrageous that VMI students — some of the most patriotic Americans — should be forced to learn from a radical anti-American anti-Semite," said AIM President Adam Guillette in the AIM article. In comments provided to The Cadet Guillette expressed his frustration at what he called a "conspiracy of silence" at VMI. "VMI has awarded their prestigious Peay Fellowship to an academic who hates this country. Why would the administration force the patriotic men and women at VMI to be taught by a vile antisemite and radical anti-American activist?" Guillette claims AIM approached VMI prior to publishing the results of its investigation but both VMI and Crane did not respond. The mission statement of the VMI Alumni Agencies insists that it exists "to inform, engage, and inspire support for VMI," [emphasis added] The Alumni Agencies that manage the Peay endowment also have yet to publicly comment. According to its bylaws, the BOV "…is ultimately responsible for the academic quality and integrity of the Institute. It shall determine what academic courses and programs will be offered, establish rules and regulations for the employment of faculty, and appoint them and fix their salaries." In this way, the Board is responsible for what Mr. Crane teaches. Although the BOV can remove Mr. Crane from his position, the Bylaws further state, "Faculty can be removed only for good cause and with the concurrence of a majority of the Board. Upon the removal of a faculty member, the fact of, and reasons for, such removal shall be reported to the Governor." The status remains unknown, as any vote to remove would be public and the BOV remains silent on the situation. Guillette is also critical of VMI's selection process. "VMI boasts of a rigorous and thorough vetting process for this prestigious fellowship. The Institute owes the American people, especially VMI Alumni and parents, an answer on how this selection was made, what they intend to do about it, and how they will prevent it in the future. So far, like Crane, VMI is silent and refuses to accept responsibility." VMI's September 12, 2024 State of the Academic Program at VMI publication includes, "Philip L. Crane '16, Peay Fellow Instructor-in-Residence: Graduated from Columbia University with a Master of International Affairs, Economic & Political Development in May 2024. Will begin teaching as an instructor in the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. He will be responsible for performance in each of the four domains: Teaching, Scholarly Engagement, Professional Citizenship, and Cadet Development. Will be teaching two three-credit sections in International Studies and Political Science. Funded through the Peay Endowment." According to the Peay endowment website those responsible for the programs and involved in the selection process include, GEN John P. Jumper '66 (Chairman), James E. Rogers '67 (Vice Chairman), Thomas G. Slater, Jr. '66 (Vice Chairman), T. Bryan Barton '68, Hugh M. Fain III '80 (also a VMI BOV member), Richard L. Goodall '66, George P. Ramsey III '72, W. Ware Smith, Jr. '62, Ashley L. Taylor, Jr. '90, and Thomas H. Zarges '70. Others involved in the decision-making and supporting processes include: David Prasnicki (CEO, VMI Alumni Agencies), Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins '85 (VMI Superintendent), Robert Moreschi (Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Dean of the Faculty), Dallas B. Clark '99 (Director, Finance, Administration and Support, VMI), Robert L. McDonald (Associate Dean for Academic Affairs VMI), Michael J. Sebastino (Associate Dean for Academic Administration and Planning), and Amy Goetz (Chief Communications Officer, VMI Alumni Agencies). According to the Peay fellowship website there are three target groups under the program Crane is participating in. Group 1 are select VMI cadets/alumni with a bachelor's degree. Group 2 are selected VMI alumni with G.I. Bill benefits or other non-VMI scholarship offers. Group 3 consists of VMI graduates who arrive with an advanced degree. Following degree completion, a graduate in groups one and two serves two years as an instructor-in-residence, earning full pay with benefits. Group 3 are visiting assistant professors with full benefits. According to a VMI Alumni Agencies publication, "The program reinforces the foundational importance and influence of "professor-leaders" on the professional and personal lives of cadets and graduates." If published reports are correct, Crane's position as a visiting professor would fall under Group 3, but official Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Human Resources and VMI's salary data provided to The Cadet identify him only as an "Instructor"paid $60,000. Instructors are only Groups 1 (although Crane received his Masters Degree from Columbia) or 2. There are no reports available to The Cadet on how the Masters program was funded. One area missing from this rapidly expanding story is Crane's position on his actions. A LinkedIn page attributed to Crane is no longer available and the VMI website under the International Studies Department no longer lists him as a member of the faculty to verify his position status. What is known is that Crane was an international studies and political science major minoring in French and national security at VMI. He held the prestigious position of Regimental Band drum major and led the band in the Tournament of Roses his first class year. Crane was also Vice President of the VMI Model UN in 2016 and while at VMI participated in the Commanders Jazz Band, Glee Club, College Democrats, Rat Challenge and the VMI Drumline. As he wrote in his first class Bomb bio: When I came to VMI, I knew I was to be imbued with honor, duty, and integrity. What I didn't know was that over these past years VMI would also make me a world traveler, give me new passions, and place me in front of the finest brotherhood imaginable. I thank my parents, my amazing dykes, my Erasmus colleagues at Saint-Cyre and Jonas Zemaitis, and my Brother Rats for their continued support from Rat, to Ring, to graduation. To my Rats, Corey and Zach; it is now your responsibility to carry on the tradition. Press on and don't look back. Brother Rats, you all are the reason why I took such pride in wearing the VMI uniform. 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.' - Henry V, Act IV Scene III In an October 24, 2015 article in the Richland Source, Crane said VMI was not his first choice. "I never really considered going to a military school or becoming an officer at all until my senior year in high school," Crane is quoted as saying in the article. "So it was kind of a last-moment decision." The article quotes Crane as saying that after graduation he planned to serve as an officer in the Army. What limited information is available from internet searches on Mr. Crane indicates he went on to have an honorable military career before changing to his current career as a professor. Questions also remain for VMI, the Alumni Agencies, and Gen. Peay, including if Mr. Crane made full disclosure of his involvement with this group and the letter during the vigorous Peay fellowship vetting process. If so, what was the selection committee's rationale for appointing him? Does Mr. Crane regret and renounce his involvement in the letter as many others have when the facts of October 7, 2023 came to light or does he stand by it? VMI, the Alumni Agencies, BOV, and Mr. Crane himself are staying silent. The staff of The Cadet is prepared to meet with Mr. Crane at any time and allow him to provide his perspectives and comments on this situation. Those wishing to comment on this issue may do so at the AIM website where their comments will be distributed to the entire VMI Board of Visitors. www.savevmi.com The Cadet is the independent publication at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) founded in 1871 as one of the oldest independent colleges newspapers in Virginia. After being forcibly closed by the VMI administration cadets, with alumni support, re-started their newspaper in 2021 under The Cadet Foundation a 501c3 operated by cadets and alumni. The Cadet relies solely on donations to survive and speak truth to power. To support The Cadet donate at: https://givebutter.com/Gw0jQW