OAN’s Elizabeth Bolbelding
5:00 PM – Sunday, April 21, 2024
Rep. Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican Conference, called on Columbia University President Minoush Shafik to resign over the weekend, accusing him of failing to “protect Jewish students on campus.”
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On Sunday, Mr. Stefanik (RN.Y.) issued a statement calling for the immediate resignation of Columbia University President Shafik and the selection of a new board member who will “protect Jewish students and enforce the school’s policies.” did.
Stefanik made the statement after being asked about the Ivy League school’s response to anti-Semitism on campus during Shafik’s hearing on Capitol Hill last week.
The Republicans’ comments came on the same day that Columbia University Rabbi Elie Buechler warned Jewish students on campus to leave, citing “extreme anti-Semitism.”
Stefanik’s full statement on Colombia’s leadership failures reads:
“Columbia University’s failed leaders have spent hundreds of hours preparing for this week’s Congressional hearings, apparently to enforce their own campus rules and protect Jewish students on campus. It was an attempt to cover up a dismal failure. Over the past few months, and especially over the past 24 hours, Columbia University’s leadership has clearly lost control of the campus, putting the safety of Jewish students at risk. It is clear that Columbia University, the pioneer of academic excellence founded by Hamilton, needs new leadership. President Shafik must resign immediately. We must appoint a president who protects students and enforces school policy.”
Students reported multiple anti-Semitic incidents last week after Columbia University failed to enforce new demonstration policies. The Colombian Special Commission on Antisemitism noted this very fact in its first report published in March.
It has also faced harsh criticism amid violent anti-Israel demonstrations on campus that resulted in more than 100 arrests.
In a WhatsApp message on Sunday, Rabbi Buechler said, “Columbia University Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee the safety of Jewish students in the face of extreme anti-Semitism and disorder in recent days, and especially last night’s events. That has become clear.” ”
“Unfortunately, we strongly advise you to return home as soon as possible and remain at home until the situation on and around campus improves dramatically.”
Stefanik also called on the Columbia University Board of Trustees to “appoint a president who will enforce the school’s policies and protect Jewish students.”
During a hearing before the House Education and Labor Committee, Shafiq acknowledged that claiming genocide against Jews was a violation of the school’s code of conduct.
Before last year’s school board, leaders from Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Pennsylvania were all asked the same question.
Stefanik sparked national outrage in December when he questioned the presidents of those three universities about their efforts to address anti-Semitism on campus. An investigation into anti-Semitism on college campuses across the country is being conducted by the Board of Education.
“Columbia University’s failed leaders have spent hundreds of hours preparing for this week’s Congressional hearings, and it is clear that they have failed to enforce their own campus rules and protect Jewish students on campus.” It was an attempt to cover up a serious failure,” Stefanik said.
Shafik was also asked extensively about the possibility of firing professors and staff who espoused anti-Semitism.
During the hearing, Shafiq said, “Columbia faculty who act in an anti-Semitic or discriminatory manner should find somewhere else.”
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