Staff Reports
House Speaker Mike Johnson, along with other House Republican lawmakers, is calling for President Biden to consider deploying the National Guard to calm the anti-Israel protests that have been causing tension and fear on college campuses.
The lawmakers recently visited Columbia University, where Jewish students have reported feeling threatened and intimidated due to the ongoing protests against the school’s investments in companies connected to Israel. Similar protests have erupted on campuses across the country, leading to concerns for the safety of Jewish students.
Speaker Mike Johnson says Biden should call in National Guard to quell protests at collegeshttps://t.co/hLMAOQKtWB pic.twitter.com/ScADDrRuhk
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 25, 2024
Mr. Johnson emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing his intention to speak directly to President Biden about the need for action. He highlighted the potential use of executive authority to bring order to the campuses and ensure the safety of students, even suggesting that the National Guard may be necessary if the situation does not improve quickly.
Sen. Josh Hawley and a group of Republican senators led by Tom Cotton have also urged the president to mobilize the National Guard to protect Jewish American students on Columbia University’s campus and other campuses where they may be at risk.
The lawmakers referenced the phrase “Never again,” which is often associated with the lessons of the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of preventing the intimidation and threats faced by Jewish students.
The Washington Times reached out to the White House for a response but did not receive an immediate reply.
It is clear that the safety and well-being of all students, including Jewish Americans, is a top priority for these conservative lawmakers, as they continue to push for action to address the growing concerns on college campuses.
