State Attorney General Letitia James this week harshly criticized the anti-Israel student camp at Columbia University, even though she has amassed tens of thousands of dollars as a university faculty member.
“The events that occurred at Columbia University are deeply concerning and distressing to many,” James said. stated in a statement. “When peaceful protests escalate into hate and anti-Semitic violence, a line is crossed and will not be tolerated. My office is closely monitoring the situation.”
James has been the William S. Beinecke Visiting Professor of Public Policy in the School of International and Public Affairs since 2021. According to her faculty bio.
Her class “Public Management Innovation” is part of the Executive MPA program for graduate students.
James co-teaches with William Eimicke, a veteran of Gov. Mario Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg’s administrations.
Her office noted that the New York Commission on Government Ethics and Lobbying granted her permission to teach the class.
She will earn $15,000 in part-time work in 2023 and plans to return to teaching in 2024, where she is expected to earn a $20,000 salary, a spokeswoman said.
Despite criticism of the widespread anti-Semitism plaguing Ivy League campuses and the government’s lax response to it, James will not quit his job.
Critics said she should do so out of a moral obligation, but also because her office could be in a position to prosecute hate crimes occurring on campus.
“This is unacceptable for public servants who must represent all voters without bias. I am calling on Attorney General James to put the interests of New Yorkers first. We call on her to immediately resign from her position, return her funds, and reaffirm her commitment to serving the people of New York State with unwavering loyalty and integrity,” said Michael Henry, who ran with James in 2022. Told. and is considering further attacks on the AG’s office.
As state attorney general, Mr. James served in a wide range of areas. authority to take action against potential hate crimes occurring in Colombia. This week, Colombian protest leader Kaimani James was caught on video saying “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”
So far, James’ office has not taken any action.
James’ office said he intends to recuse himself from any investigation into Columbia.
Columbia University has been embroiled in scandal since students erected an anti-Israel tent encampment on university grounds.
Columbia University President Nemat Shafik initially called on the NYPD to clear up the rioters, then began negotiating with students, facing calls for his resignation from both progressives and, most recently, House Speaker Mike Johnson. There is.
“Attorney General James has spent her career fighting discrimination and protecting all communities. Through her humble teaching position, she has made a positive impact on Columbia University students, especially at a time of greatest need.” We believe we can,” her office told the Post.
