Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters Monday that foreign students participating in anti-Semitic protests should have their visas revoked, and American students engaging in similar activities should have their visas revoked. He added that he should be expelled from the university.
DeSantis discussed anti-terrorism, pro-Palestinian demonstrations on various U.S. campuses across the country and said he believes the Justice Department should visit and engage with these universities.
“It’s not acceptable that this kind of anti-Semitism exists, not just bad speech. They’re really targeting Jewish students. This is a hostile environment, and it undermines the civil rights of students. The university is simply not doing what it is supposed to do,” the governor said, noting that Florida State University has a code of conduct that gives it “rights.” Although there is a right to “protest”, there is no right to “harass others”.
“There is no right to target someone’s back based on their religion or ethnicity. And if you are doing something like that, you will be shown the door,” he said.
“I think students should cancel their visas and send them home if they are international students with visas,” he said to applause.
He further explained that American students who violate the code of conduct should be expelled and that real consequences will encourage behavioral changes.
“Right now in higher education, especially in the higher schools, inmates run asylums. So students are doing this knowing there will be no repercussions.” he said.
Students and pro-Palestinian activists gather outside Columbia University to protest the university’s stance on Israel, April 18, 2024, in New York City. (Spencer Pratt/Getty Images)
“The moment you start to see repercussions, you’re going to start to see a change in behavior. So I think what’s going on there is shameful, but basically letting it happen without involving the Department of Education and the Department of Justice.” I think Biden was very weak in that regard, and I would have done that,” the governor added. .
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The Biden Justice Department and Education Department are asleep at the wheel when it comes to anti-Semitism on college campuses. Both institutions should hold these universities accountable and the visas of international students who support Hamas should be revoked. pic.twitter.com/sUErXnBACu
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 22, 2024
His remarks were followed by Orthodox Rabbi Elie Buechler of Columbia University. caveat As anti-terrorism and anti-Semitic demonstrations continue, Jewish students are being asked to “return as soon as possible and remain at home until the reality on and around campus has dramatically improved.”
Jewish student harassed as he tries to leave school @ColumbiaCampus tonight. Someone can be heard shouting “Yehudim Yehudim,” or “Jews, Jews.” “Go back to Poland” they curse and shout. Anti-Semitism is the new normal here. pic.twitter.com/U2Ii5GTuLm
— David Lederer (@Davidlederer6) April 21, 2024
A video posted to Columbia University’s Chabad last night was shocking.
This is not anti-Zionism. It’s blatant anti-Semitism. pic.twitter.com/7Ggk9dndGv
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyDillon) April 21, 2024
The Biden administration has condemned the calls for violence and threats, but it has mostly stopped at words. Meanwhile, the situation on campus has deteriorated so much that Columbia University canceled all in-person classes on Monday.
RELATED: NYPD officers arrest anti-Israel protesters occupying Columbia University campus
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