On Monday, nearly 20 House Democrats put Columbia University’s Board of Trustees on notice, demanding that the board member either disband the anti-Israel camp or resign.
In a letter to the board, a group of 21 Democrats led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) said in a letter to the board that Manhattan’s Ivy League It highlighted how Jewish students face continued harassment at prestigious schools. , threats of violence or intimidation.
“The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and assembly, but not freedom to harass or intimidate other students,” Democrats wrote..
“It is clear that the university allowed the camp to create an environment that appears to violate its legal obligation to protect all students from discrimination and harassment,” the letter said.
Earlier this month, a large number of anti-Israel demonstrators set up camp in Colombia to protest the Israeli-Hamas war.
The destructive protests began around the time embattled Columbia University President Nemat “Minoush” Shafik testified before Congress about the university’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism on campus.
Since then, more than 100 Columbia University students have been arrested for disobeying law enforcement orders during sit-ins and rallies.
Escalating tensions on the Morningside Heights campus forced Columbia University to switch to hybrid learning for the remainder of the semester.
School officials have tried to negotiate with anti-Israel students, but Shafiq acknowledged on Monday that talks had broken down.
House Democrats who signed the letter to the Education Committee cited Title VI as the basis for their request.
This law prohibits discrimination by institutions of higher education receiving federal aid.
“Many students who pay for their education with federal aid cannot safely attend classes, enter the library, or leave their dorm rooms,” Paul wrote. .
“After nearly a week of negotiations, we have realized what students and activists on campus do not want us to do is reach a reasonable agreement for dissolution that is necessary to bring the university into Title VI compliance.” It is now abundantly clear.”
Noting that an agreement could not be rushed, the Democratic group called on the university to “act decisively, disband the camp and ensure the safety and security of all students.”
Since the encampment was first set up, there have been reports of several horrific anti-Semitic incidents on campus.
They have drawn harsh criticism from the White House and many politicians.
“Last weekend, students held up placards that read “Arka,” referring to pro-Israel students.[ss]”Am’s next target refers to the military wing of Hamas,” the Democratic Party wrote.
“One of the protest leaders previously declared, “Zionists, they are Nazis.” They are Nazis. They are fascists. They are supporters of genocide. And what do you want us to do?” And students routinely chanted “From the River to the Sea,” a cry for the elimination of Israel and all Jews within its borders. ”
Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-New York), have called on Shafik to resign.
Prime Minister Johnson visited Colombia last week and said President Biden should send the National Guard to the scene.
In contrast, left-wing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rep. Jamal Bowman (D-Minn.), and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) also visited the campus and protested. was a big supporter.
In addition to Mr. Goldman and Mr. Gottheimer, those who signed the House Democrats’ letter include Reps. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Lois Frankel of Florida, and Rep. Lois Frankel of Ohio. Rep. Greg Landsman of North Carolina, Rep. Kathy Manning of North Carolina, and Rep. Robert Menendez Jr. of New Carolina. Jersey, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Wiley Nickel of North Carolina, Donald Norcross of New Jersey, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, Dean Phillips of Minnesota, Adam Schiff of California, Brad Schneider of Illinois, Darren Soto of Florida. , Haley Stevens of Michigan, Tom Suozzi of New York, Ritchie Torres of New York, Mark Vesey of Texas, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida.
“The time for negotiation is over. The time for negotiation is over. The time for action is now. It is ultimately up to the Board to act,” their letter reads.
“If a trustee does not respond, he or she should resign so that he or she can be replaced by someone who will uphold the university’s legal obligations under Title VI.”
Columbia University declined to comment to the Post on Monday.
