White House officials on Wednesday addressed anti-Israel protests at universities across the country, saying President Biden believes in free speech but will report instances of violent rhetoric or physical threats. said it must be done.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked by a reporter at a briefing on Wednesday what the president thought about the handling of the protests by authorities at Columbia University in New York City.
Jean-Pierre directed human resources questions to university officials, as it is up to them to comment on the situation. But she spoke out about the situation at the university, which she described as “a very painful and painful moment for the community.”
“The President believes that free speech and non-discrimination on college campuses are important. Those are important American values, and … we will always be clear about that here,” she said. Stated. “But you know, protests have to be peaceful. Students have to be safe. When we see violent rhetoric, we have to call it out. We must speak up when we see physical threats or grotesque anti-Semitic comments.”
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Anti-Israel demonstrators rally in front of Columbia University in New York City on Tuesday. (Gina Moon/Getty Images)
Jean-Pierre said the White House continues to “strongly condemn” anti-Semitism, adding that there are plans to implement the first national strategic initiative to combat anti-Semitism.
She called the hateful rhetoric coming out of Colombia “despicable.”
The press secretary was also asked about the president’s personal response to the activities taking place on college campuses and what his message is to those peacefully protesting.
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Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday that the White House “cannot remain silent” about violent protests on college campuses. (White House)
She said the president had made it clear that “we can’t be silent here.”
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“Silence is complicity and we cannot tolerate it. We believe in First Amendment rights. We believe in people’s ability to express themselves in peaceful ways. But… When we’re talking about hateful rhetoric, when we’re talking about violence, we have to call it out.
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“Students should feel safe. The community should feel safe. And you know, we cannot remain silent,” Jean-Pierre said. “Obviously, this is a very painful moment. He understands that. He understands that and will always support and believe in free speech and debate and non-discrimination on college campuses.” Dew.”
