Staff Reports
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is expressing concern over the handling of growing antisemitism at Columbia University and is joining calls for President Minouche Shafik to resign. Johnson labeled the situation at Columbia as “unconscionable” and criticized President Shafik’s leadership as weak and inept. He highlighted the inability of the university to guarantee the safety of Jewish students, who are reportedly feeling unsafe and unable to attend classes. Johnson is set to meet with Jewish students and have a meal with Rabbi Yuda Drizin at Columbia University, followed by a press conference alongside several New York House Republicans to address these issues.
.@SpeakerJohnson calls on ‘weak, inept’ Columbia president to resign over Israel-Gaza protests https://t.co/S322Bf4oCR https://t.co/S322Bf4oCR
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) April 24, 2024
The turmoil at Columbia is part of a larger trend of rising antisemitism on college campuses, particularly in the wake of conflicts between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters. Johnson’s concerns come as over 100 students at Columbia University and Barnard College were arrested in connection with a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment.” The university extended negotiations with pro-Palestinian student leaders to clear the encampments on the school’s lawn to avoid taking further drastic action.
Johnson echoed sentiments expressed by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK), advocating for potential repercussions such as revoking federal funding for universities that fail to maintain control over these situations and revoking student visas for violent protesters. Johnson emphasized the need to protect the rights of Jewish students to attend classes peacefully without fear. This call for action aligns with House Republicans’ efforts, including a letter sent to President Shafik urging her to resign and previous instances where congressional action led to the resignations of other university presidents over similar concerns.
While calls for President Shafik’s resignation have been primarily championed by Republicans, some House Democrats have also urged Columbia University to take stronger measures to protect Jewish students. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) warned President Shafik to avoid repeating the mistakes made by other university leaders who faced similar challenges.
