In the wake of a series of pro-Palestinian protests, Columbia University has transitioned to online classes, a move that has drawn criticism from political figures such as former Vice-President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott (R- S.C.)
What Happened: Columbia University has shifted to virtual learning starting Monday, following pro-Palestinian protests that led to multiple arrests last week, Reuters reported.
Pence expressed his disapproval on social media platform X, stating, “There is no place for Antisemitism in any form in any place in the United States of America.”
Scott shared Pence’s sentiments, condemning the protests and calling for strict actions against any student advocating for violence.
“Any student who’s advocating for murder and terrorism — you should be expelled from campus. Any student on a foreign visa who calls for genocide should be deported — you’re gone! And any university that lets itself become a megaphone for evil should lose every SINGLE dime of federal money,” Scott wrote on X.
Nemat Minouche Shafik, Columbia University’s President, announced the suspension of in-person classes, denouncing the antisemitic language and intimidating behavior that had occurred on campus. Shafik also highlighted that individuals not affiliated with Columbia had taken advantage of these tensions for their purposes.
Over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on Thursday after Shafik authorized the New York police to clear a student encampment. Elie Buechler, the Orthodox Rabbi at Columbia University, advised Jewish students to return home due to safety concerns.
The protests at Columbia are the latest in a series of disruptions on university campuses, bridges, and airports since the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Oct. 7.
Why It Matters: These protests and the university’s response come amid a broader context of escalating tensions. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen a resurgence, with President Joe Biden reaffirming his “ironclad” support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict.
Furthermore, these protests have drawn the ire of billionaire investors, who have threatened to halt donations to their alma maters over what they perceive as antisemitic actions. In October, billionaire investor Leon Cooperman vowed to stop donating to Columbia University unless he sees a change, following anti-war protests on campus.
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