A backlash ensued, leading to the resignation of Elizabeth Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania, following her controversial comments about antisemitism on campus during a Congressional hearing.

Magill faced criticism for not unequivocally stating whether students advocating for the genocide of Jews would face consequences.

Although the university stated that she "voluntarily tendered her resignation," Magill will remain in her position until a replacement is appointed.

She had previously apologized for her testimony, delivered alongside the presidents of Harvard and MIT, Claudine Gay and Sally Kornbluth, during a House of Representatives committee session on December 5.

The trio faced scrutiny for their responses, emphasizing the "context" in addressing calls for the genocide of Jews, rather than outright condemning such statements.

The hearing took place against the backdrop of widespread campus protests linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict and a growing number of antisemitic incidents. Despite Magill's apology, calls for her resignation persisted in the days following the incident.

She was criticised by the White House, and a major donor who had planned to give the university $100m (£79.3m) pulled out, saying he was "appalled" at Ms Magill's comments.

On Thursday, two students at the university - both of whom are Jewish - filed a lawsuit, claiming the campus has become "an incubation lab for virulent anti-Jewish hatred, harassment and discrimination."

Ms Magill's resignation was confirmed by Scott L. Bok, chair of the Penn board of trustees. He said Ms Magill would step down as president but "will remain a tenured faculty member at Penn Carey Law".

Trustees had reportedly been due to meet on Sunday to discuss Ms Magill's position.

In a statement released via the university after her resignation was confirmed, Ms Magill said: "It has been my privilege to serve as President of this remarkable institution.

"It has been an honor to work with our faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community members to advance Penn's vital missions."

The University of Pennsylvania - commonly known as UPenn - is among the oldest and most prestigious universities in the US, and is part of the elite Ivy League group alongside institutions such as Harvard and Yale.

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