Patriots Owner Robert Kraft’s Urgent Call to Combat Hate on College Campuses
Robert Kraft, the esteemed owner of the New England Patriots, has taken a bold stand to denounce the rising tide of hate speech and intimidation seeping into American college campuses. In an exclusive interview, Kraft implored Americans to speak out against these alarming trends.
The Erosion of a Sacred Space
Kraft expressed his deep concern that universities, once bastions of free speech and intellectual debate, are becoming breeding grounds for hatred and the suppression of dissenting views. He decried the abandonment of critical dialogue in favor of silencing and intimidation.
“They want to know we’re going to win this battle. And I just ask, ‘Are you good listeners who care about this country to speak up now?’ Universities used to be where you had critical debate and different points of view. We didn’t teach hate and intimidation.” – Robert Kraft
A Personal Stake
As a graduate of Columbia University, Kraft feels a personal connection to the crisis unfolding on campuses. He has partnered with his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to place full-page ads in major newspapers across the country, raising awareness about the alarming increase in antisemitic rhetoric and actions.
Robert Kraft with his family at a soccer match. (Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
‘Martin Luther King Spoke About It’
Kraft emphasized the importance of speaking out against injustice, drawing inspiration from iconic civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering belief in peaceful protest.
“The reason I took these ads out (is) I want people to know that good people – and they’ve come to our foundation – they really care, and they have to speak up and not be silent – the way Martin Luther King spoke about it with (Clarence B. Jones).” – Robert Kraft
A Call for Empathy
Underlying Kraft’s message is a plea for empathy. He urged individuals to understand the experiences of those targeted by hate speech, to put themselves in their shoes, and to reject the corrosive nature of division.
Kraft believes that empathy is the key to combating hate. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
A Legacy to Preserve
As a successful businessman and philanthropist, Kraft recognizes the tremendous opportunities that America has afforded him. He believes that safeguarding those opportunities and preserving the nation’s core values is essential for the well-being of both individuals and society as a whole.
“I’m privileged, among other things, to own an NFL franchise in my hometown. I didn’t have a car until I was 25. I want to keep those values alive for everyone that comes to this country.” – Robert Kraft
Kraft’s Leadership
Kraft’s bold stance has inspired others to join the fight against hate and intolerance. A growing number of individuals and organizations are following his lead, speaking out against the insidious wave of aggression that threatens to undermine the fabric of American society.
