Shai Davidai, an outspoken Columbia University business professor, participated in violent anti-Israel demonstrations last week during the first anniversary of Hamas' deadly October 7 attack on the Jewish state. He was expelled from campus after clashing with students and confronting school officials.
The Ivy League school told Mr. Davidai's lawyers that Columbia University leaders alleged that during the disturbance Mr. Davidai harassed at least five faculty members and violated school rules, so Tuesday at 3 p.m. At that time, the school sent a letter stating that the professor had been blocked from entering the school grounds.
“Intimidation, harassment, or other threatening behavior by university employees, including faculty and staff, will not be tolerated,” the school said in a letter Davidai provided to the Post.
In a letter, Columbia University said Israelis who conduct research and are not teaching this semester will not be suspended and can return to campus if they complete workplace behavior training and follow school policies. said.
The school said he will continue to be able to advise students remotely.
University officials cited a video shot by Davidei and posted on social media showing him confronting students wearing keffiyeh and urging school leaders to rein in noisy anti-Israel protesters. The video shows how the request was made to no avail.
in a videohe and Patrick Oakley, the school's head of public safety, were walking back and forth, and Davidai appeared to pick up Oakley's ID badge around his neck for a closer look.
“They blocked my movement and you guys didn't do anything,” Davidai said of the protesters, while Oakley insisted: “No, you're walking towards them.” .
“You are not keeping the Jews safe,” David retorted.
Davidai, who has taught at Columbia University for five years, told the Post on Tuesday night that the school's actions were “nothing short of retaliation.”
“It broke me,” he admitted. “This shows how Colombia is run by small individuals.”
He called the allegations of harassment and intimidation of school officials “crazy,” and said the Ivy League school had similar discipline against anti-Israel students and faculty who supported violence against the Jewish state. He claimed that he was not charged.
“That's as hypocritical as it gets,” he said.
“We have professors who have attended camps or taught at camps,” he says. “Since October 7, no professors have been fired or suspended for anti-Semitism and support for terrorism.”
Among them was controversial professor Joseph Massad, who the next day called the October 7 massacre “amazing.”
“He's never been suspended,” Davidai said.
Davidai also blew up the school. social media videoMost of his anger was directed at Cass Holloway, Columbia's chief operating officer, who he said “may drive himself crazy.”
He said he had planned to come to campus on Tuesday to attend an Oct. 7 memorial service hosted by Jewish students before being informed of the school's ban by his attorney.
“After everything that happened, including the president's resignation, Columbia University's leadership defended a terrorist organization while silencing Jewish and Israeli community members,” Davidei's attorney Mark Lerner told the paper. It's shocking that they continue to do so and punish them,” he told the Post.
The school has faced major turmoil over the past year, with anti-Israel protesters occupying the school building and setting up encampments on campus green spaces.
Former President Minouche Shafik abruptly resigned over the summer.
Mr. Davidai, an admittedly outspoken employee, has criticized the school for not doing more to protect Jewish students during anti-Israel protests.
He said Tuesday he was “heartbroken” but stressed: “I'm not going to stop fighting, because it's not about me.”
“I am not a provocateur. My goal is not to provoke or get a reaction, but to create change,” he added.
