Shai Davidai, an assistant professor of business at Columbia University and a pro-Israel supporter, was barred from campus on Tuesday.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the university confirmed Davidai was suspended for “repeatedly harassing and threatening” university employees.
The statement said Davidai's restrictions were “a direct result of Assistant Professor Davidai's actions on October 7, 2024,” but did not elaborate on the incident in question.
Davidai slammed the decision, claiming it was retaliation for an “exposition.”[ing]“University personnel seen on video of the Oct. 7 Memorial Day protest on campus.
Shai Davidai, an assistant professor of business, has frequently criticized university leadership for its response to anti-Israel protests. (Spencer Pratt/Getty Images)
”[T]The university has decided that they will no longer allow me to be on campus. my job. why? It's because of October 7th. Because he was not afraid to stand up to a hateful mob,” Davidai was quoted as saying. Columbia Daily Spectator. He recorded himself confronting administrators.
“Columbia has consistently and continuously respected Assistant Professor Davidei's right to freedom of speech and to express his opinions. His freedom of speech has not been, and continues to be, unrestricted. However, Columbia does not tolerate intimidation, harassment, or other forms of intimidation by employees,'' university spokeswoman Samantha Slater said.
She continued: “Assistant Professor Davidai repeatedly harassed and threatened university staff in violation of university policy, and while he received appropriate training on the policies governing staff conduct, we were unable to assist him on campus. “We have temporarily restricted access to the area.''
Columbia graduate slams alma mater over handling of 'terrible' anti-Israel protests: 'lack of leadership'
Slater added that Davidai is not currently teaching this semester and is simply not allowed on campus. He has not been suspended and will continue to receive compensation as a teacher. Mr. Davidai will be able to return to campus after completing training on university policies.
“When a faculty member or other employee violates University policy, the University utilizes and utilizes education, training, access restrictions, and other measures.As in other cases, we believe that Assistant Professor Davidai We look forward to a successful completion and a prompt return to campus,” Slater said.
Davidai reported this suspension from his X account on Tuesday. (Courtesy of Shai Davidai)
“I'm the only professor to have been suspended,” he told The Spectator. “Think about all the professors, all the things they've done, who've said and posted terrible things, but I'm the only one who's been suspended.”
“It's no longer a double standard,” Davidai added. “There are basically no standards when it comes to Jewish life on campus.
After Davidai learned of the news, he told X, “I don't care about my future. It's never about me. I care about the future of @Colombia.'' I'm worried about what it's like,” he wrote. – Retweet to let people know that American Terrorism means something to students on campus. ”
Columbia professor calls university president a 'coward' in fiery speech about anti-Israel activities on campus
Fox News Digital has reached out to Davidai for comment.
Columbia University also reportedly deactivated Davidei's key card in April. (Fox News Digital)
This is not the first time Mr Davidai has reportedly been restricted from entering campus. In April, he said his key card to the school's main campus was disabled after he planned a pro-Israel demonstration against anti-Israel demonstrators.
“I have not only a civil right, but a civil right to be on campus as a Jew. I have a right to be on campus as a professor employed by the university. They disabled my card,” Davidai said. he told demonstrators in a video. at that time.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
