Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA.) has been criticized for allowing anti-Semitic rhetoric to spread throughout campus.
“Columbia ran Amok to deal with the crazy fringes and paid provocates of anti-Semitism. Leadership allowed those assholes to take over campus and terrorize Jewish students,” Fetterman said. Friday's post x.
“Now, Colombia pays for that mistake and I support it.”
Earlier in the day, the Department of Justice, Health and Human Services, the Department of Education and the U.S. Office of Internal Affairs and Communications said they would revoke funding for “continuous omissions in the face of permanent harassment of Jewish students.”
The campus was a hot spot for the Pro-Palestinian protests after Hamas was attacked on October 7, 2023.
A university spokesman said they are working to review the issues and address federal concerns.
“We are pledged to consider announcements from federal agencies and work with the federal government to restore federal funds in Columbia,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“We take Colombia's legal obligations seriously and are committed to fighting anti-Semitism and ensuring the safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff.”
Fetterman has long been critical of the university demonstrations, urging the former president of Columbia to step down from the camp of protesters' tents on the New York City school grounds.
“I fully agree with the White House. These 'protests' are anti-Semitic, merciless and dangerous. Fetterman wrote in a statement last year.
“@columbia President Minouche Shafik: I'll do your job or resign so that Columbia can find people to do that,” he continued.
Shaffic Resignation Four months later, he cited himself as a subject of threat and abuse.
The Trump administration has pledged to crack down on students, immigrants and universities that are complicit in anti-Semitic expression.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Friday that the department will withdraw funds from agencies that have been found to be out of compliance with the anti-discrimination law.
“Since October 7th, Jewish students have faced unrelenting violence, intimidation and anti-Semitic harassment on campus. Recently confirmed McMahon said: statement. “Universities must comply with all federal prevention laws when receiving federal funds. For a long time, Columbia has waived that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we show Columbia and other universities that they no longer tolerate their horrific inaction.”
