House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik is calling for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign due to her failure to protect Jewish students on campus amid rising concerns about antisemitism. Stefanik’s demands come after Shafik’s testimony on Capitol Hill last week where she faced questions regarding the handling of antisemitism at the prestigious Manhattan campus. Stefanik believes that Columbia University needs new leadership, citing the safety of Jewish students as a top priority for the institution.
The call for Shafik’s resignation was supported by former state Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who leads Americans Against Antisemitism. Hikind expressed gratitude towards Stefanik and urged Shafik to step down immediately, stating that the current situation contradicts the notion of “Never Again” which is commonly used in reference to preventing a repeat of history. The backdrop of anti-Israel protests on campus, resulting in over 100 arrests, has heightened concerns about the safety of Jewish students at Columbia University.
Rabbi Elie Buechler of Columbia issued a warning to Jewish students about the extreme antisemitism on the campus, advising them to return home until the situation improves. He highlighted the challenges faced by campus security and the NYPD in guaranteeing the safety of Jewish students amidst a rise in anti-Jewish sentiments. Stefanik also called on Columbia University’s board to appoint a new president who will prioritize the protection of Jewish students and enforce school policies to combat antisemitism.
During Shafik’s testimony before the House Education and Workforce Committee, she affirmed that advocating for the genocide of Jews is a violation of the school’s code of conduct. The committee has been conducting an investigation into antisemitism on college campuses across the country, with a focus on ensuring that university leaders address and combat such hate speech effectively. Stefanik’s questioning of Shafik follows similar inquiries directed at other university presidents, resulting in resignations and national attention on the issue of antisemitism.
The phrase “from the river to the sea” was discussed during Shafik’s testimony, with her acknowledging that it is considered hurtful but not explicitly antisemitic. The phrase is associated with Hamas terrorists calling for the removal of Jews from the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, essentially targeting Israel. Shafik also faced questions about the consequences for faculty members promoting antisemitic views, stating that any such behavior should result in the individual finding employment elsewhere, indicating a zero-tolerance approach from Columbia University.
Despite the intense scrutiny from lawmakers and demands for leadership change, Columbia University has not responded to requests for comment on the situation. Stefanik remains firm in her stance that the university’s leadership has failed to enforce campus rules and ensure the safety of Jewish students effectively. The issue of antisemitism on college campuses continues to be a focal point for lawmakers and educational institutions, with efforts being made to address and prevent such discrimination to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
