21 House Democrats urged Columbia University leadership on Monday that “the time for negotiations is over,” as the anti-Israel camp grapples with anti-Semitism. remained on campus for weeks.
Led by Representatives Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Dan Goldman of New York, 21 House Democrats signed a letter calling on Columbia University’s Board of Trustees to “eliminate the unauthorized and unacceptable encampment of anti-Israel, anti-Semitic activists on campus.” Was requested.” ,
Later on Monday, the university gave the agitators time till 2 pm to vacate the camp or face suspension.
As a result of the disruption on campus, supported by some faculty members, “many students have been prevented from safely attending class, the main library, and leaving their dorm rooms, in clear violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.” He has written. 21 signatories acknowledged how colombia administration The first “secretly admitted that the camp had created a hostile and unsafe environment for Jewish students by resorting to hybrid education, which appears to violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.”
House Democrats wrote, “In other words, instead of addressing the root cause of discrimination and harassment that students face on campus, the Administration decided to isolate some students from campus entirely, thereby inherently disenfranchising all students.” It created an unsafe environment on campus.”
Saying that they appreciated the efforts of the Colombia administration “to negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement that allows those living in the camp to pay voluntarily without police interference,” House The Democrats wrote that, after nearly a week of negotiations, “It is now abundantly clear that the students and activists frozen on campus are unwilling to enter into a reasonable agreement for disengagement that would subject the university to Title VI violations.” necessary to bring into compliance.”
Anti-Israel encampment at Columbia University on April 28, 2024. (Charlie Tribleau/AFP via Getty Images)
The letter states, “Those who violate the law cannot dictate the terms of the University’s ability to follow that law. Now is the time for the University to act decisively, end the encampment and ensure the safety of all our students.” They say. “The time for talk is over; the time for action is now. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to act. If any trustees are unwilling to do so, they should resign so that they can be replaced by such individuals Those who can do this can go.” “Uphold the University’s legal obligations under Title VI.”
All members of the House Republican delegation from New York, led by the House GOP chairman Representative Elise Stefanik, There have already been calls for the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik after anti-Semitic protests continued on campus in the days following her testimony before the House Education and Workforce Committee. The day after his testimony, Shafiq allowed police to arrest more than 100 protesters on campus, but later that weekend, the encampment was boldly reorganized and Shafiq chose to keep police away outside the university gates. .
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“Shafiq lied multiple times to Congress about the employment status of radical terrorism supporter Professor Mohammed Abdu,” Stefanik said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. “Despite her testimony, Abdu is rallying in Colombia’s anti-Semitic camp promoting Jew hatred. This directly contradicts Shafiq’s testimony which is another reason Shafiq should immediately resign.”
The Democrats’ Monday letter assessed that since last week, the Columbia encampment “has been a breeding ground for anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish students, including hate speech, harassment, intimidation and even threats of violence.” ,” citing how a student held up a sign pointing at pro-Israel students saying “al-Qa(s) are the next target,” referring to the military wing of Hamas, the foreign terrorist The organization that is responsible for the atrocities of October 7 and the hostage-taking of innocent civilians – including Americans – in brutal captivity for almost seven months.”
Anti-Israel protesters continue to organize a protest on the campus of Columbia University in New York City on April 26, 2024. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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House Democrats also noted how one of the protest leaders had earlier declared, “Zionists – they’re Nazis. They’re Nazis. They’re fascists. They’re proponents of genocide. Why would we want people who commit genocide? Are you a supporter of Remain?” And students regularly chanted “from the river to the sea”, “to eliminate Israel and all Jews within its borders.”
In response, Democrats said the White House said, “While every American has the right to peacefully protest, calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are clearly anti-Semitic, unconscionable, and dangerous.” – There’s no room for them in this.” On any college campus, or anywhere in the United States.”
In a new letter Monday morning, Shafiq said that a small group of academic leaders who had been in talks with student organizers “to find a path forward that will result in the dismantling of the encampment” were not able to reach an agreement. It has been possible. The “tragedy” of Jewish students leaving campus amid an “intolerable” atmosphere.
“While the University will not divest from Israel, the University offered to develop an accelerated timeline for the students’ new proposals to be reviewed by the Advisory Committee for Socially Responsible Investment, a body that considers divestment cases,” Shafiq told protesters. Citing said. Demand. “The University also offered to publish a process for students to access a list of Columbia’s direct investment holdings and to increase the frequency of updates to that list of holdings.”
Anti-Israel encampment at Columbia University on April 28, 2024. (Charlie Tribleau/AFP via Getty Images)
He said the university also offered to “invest in health and education in Gaza, including early childhood development and aid for displaced scholars.”
Without mentioning the possibility of further police action, Shafiq again said that the university urges those present to “disperse voluntarily” and “explore alternative internal options to end this crisis as soon as possible.” “is consulting with a broad group of our community.”
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In a statement first obtained by Fox News Digital, Stefanik again chided Shafik for “not offering a single condemnation of the disgusting anti-Semitism prevalent in the illegal camp” and said, “Protecting Jewish students from rampant anti-Semitism There is not a single mention of.” Colombia.”
“As these so-called ‘elite’ universities fail on the global stage, it is more important than ever that Congress hold them accountable,” Stefanik said.
