Protests against Gaza war persist at Columbia, Michigan, Brown, and other universities

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent remarks at Columbia University have sparked controversy and debate. In an interview following his speech, Johnson defended his comments about Jewish students running for their lives on campus, citing canceled classes due to fear of physical violence. While some Jewish students expressed fear, they did not describe running for safety.

Johnson also criticized the president of Columbia and other Ivy League schools, suggesting that student protesters should be arrested after a certain point. He emphasized the importance of university administrators keeping their students safe and maintaining order on campus.

In response to Johnson’s visit, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul questioned the benefits of his presence at Columbia, suggesting that it may further divide rather than heal the community. She emphasized the importance of promoting unity and understanding in such challenging situations.

The controversy surrounding Johnson’s remarks and the ongoing protests at Columbia highlight the complex issues of free speech, campus safety, and the need for dialogue and understanding in times of conflict. The situation continues to evolve as different perspectives and voices are heard on the matter.