President of Columbia University condemns antisemitism on campus

Columbia University President Condemns Antisemitism at Congressional Hearing

In a recent congressional hearing, Columbia University’s president, Dr. Nemat Shafik, took a strong stance against antisemitism while addressing questions about the handling of Gaza war protests on campus. When asked if calls for the genocide of Jews were against college policy, Dr. Shafik unequivocally stated that they were. However, she was less clear when questioned about another slogan widely seen as antisemitic.

During the hearing, Dr. Shafik emphasized Columbia’s commitment to being a community free of discrimination and hate in all its forms. She condemned the pervasive antisemitism present today but faced difficulty when asked about phrases used by some pro-Palestinian activists, such as “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Jewish groups argue that this slogan is a call for the destruction of Israel, while its defenders view it as a pro-Palestinian independence rallying cry. The hearing also saw three other officials from Columbia University testify, acknowledging the moral crisis on campus and the unacceptable behavior of some students and faculty.

Since the Israel-Gaza war sparked by an attack from Hamas in October, Republicans in Congress have accused elite US universities like Columbia of harboring antisemitic hate. Dr. Shafik acknowledged a rise in such hatred on campus since October but assured the committee that the college was taking steps to protect students, including suspending 15 students and placing six on probation for violating rules regarding campus protests.

The hearing highlighted the ongoing challenges universities face in addressing antisemitism and protecting free speech on campus.