Protests at Columbia and other schools intensify

Democratic House members, including Reps. Jared Moskowitz, Josh Gottheimer, Dan Goldman, and Kathy Manning, who are all Jewish, made a powerful statement after touring Columbia University’s campus. The lawmakers expressed their shock and disgust at the antisemitic hate and vitriol they witnessed from protesters on the university’s main lawn.

Gottheimer condemned the protesters’ actions, calling them sickening and echoing the rhetoric of Hamas terrorists. He criticized Columbia University’s leadership for not taking decisive action to stop the harassment and discrimination faced by Jewish and Muslim students on campus.

The lawmakers demanded immediate action from the university, urging them to discipline harassers, restore civility, and promote peaceful dialogue. They also called on the US Department of Education and the US Department of Justice to work with the White House to ensure the safety of Jewish students and faculty on college campuses.

Manning emphasized the importance of educating students and faculty about the dangers of antisemitism and urged Congress to enact legislation to counter this threat to democracy.

The Democratic House members vowed to do everything in their power to protect students and ensure a safe learning environment at Columbia University and other institutions across the country. They made it clear that if the university fails to act, they will face consequences.