Many are outraged by the message from Columbia University President Minouche Shafik that was posted on X, where she describes the university's capitulation to the anti-Israel encampment: "Over the last few months, we have been patient in tolerating unauthorized demonstrations, including the encampment. Our academic leaders spent eight days engaging over long hours in serious dialogue in good faith with protest representatives. I thank them for their tireless effort. The University offered to consider new proposals on divestment and shareholder activism, to review access to our dual degree programs and global centers, to reaffirm our commitment to free speech, and to launch educational and health programs in Gaza and the West Bank."
In the end, she reports, they could not come to a mutually satisfactory agreement. Many are infuriated with the president's decision to engage in negotiations with the unruly protesters and even provide them a platform by granting them an audience.
Want a good laugh this morning?
Watch this brilliant video from @canarymission featuring Columbia University and the fabulous way it's handling "civil discourse".
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) May 8, 2024
Shafik continues by saying, "Every one of us has a role to play in bringing back the value of truth and civil discourse that polarization has severely damaged." Many took to their keyboards to point out that only one side has not engaged in said "civil discourse." One such post, referring to the antisemitic attacks and harassment that have been reported and documented on Columbia's campus, said the president "whitewashes what's really happening on her campus."
Well done video showing how,Minouche Shafik, Columbia University President, whitewashes what's really happening on her campus. pic.twitter.com/j49TP6nZzx
— Gabby Klein (@GabbyKlein1) May 8, 2024
Meanwhile, a group of 13 federal judges appointed by former President Trump has pledged not to hire law school students and undergraduates from New York City's Columbia University, citing the institution's handling of anti-Israel protests that culminated in the occupation of an academic hall.
In a letter obtained by Reuters and addressed to Columbia University President Minouche Shafik and Law Dean Gillian Lester, the 13 conservative judges expressed a loss of confidence in the university as an institution of higher education, labeling it "an incubator of bigotry."
"Since the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas, Columbia University has become ground zero for the explosion of student disruptions, antisemitism, and hatred for diverse viewpoints on campuses across the nation. Disruptors have threatened violence, committed assaults, and destroyed property," the letter reads. "As a result, Columbia has disqualified itself from educating the future leaders of our country."
The judges offered guidance on how the university could reclaim its "once-distinguished" reputation, starting with punishing students and faculty who participated in campus disruptions, violated rules regarding university facilities and public spaces, or made threats against fellow community members.
Addressing free speech, the judges advocated for neutrality and non-discrimination in protecting freedom of expression and enforcing campus conduct rules. "Freedom of speech protects protest, not trespass, and certainly not acts or threats of violence or terrorism."
The judges further suggested changing the composition of Columbia's faculty and administration to restore confidence in the institution, citing "ideological homogeneity" that "has destroyed its ability to train future leaders of a pluralistic and intellectually diverse country."
"Considering recent events, and absent extraordinary change, we will not hire anyone who joins the Columbia University community – whether as undergraduates or law students – beginning with the entering class of 2024," the letter concludes, aiming to restore academic freedom at Columbia.
Legal experts expressed mixed views on judges involving themselves in issues beyond the courtroom, with some agreeing on the substance but finding the collective action concerning. Others noted the inevitability of pushback against aggressive and hostile anti-Israel protests on campuses.
