Billionaire donors, including Robert Kraft and Leon Cooperman, are reassessing their support for Columbia University as tensions escalate over pro-Palestinian protests. These protests, which have included a tent encampment on campus, have been marred by reports of antisemitic speech. Amidst these concerns, Columbia University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik announced that classes would be held virtually to mitigate the “rancor” of the protests. Robert Kraft, a prominent donor who has established the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life and an athletic field named after him at Columbia, released a statement strongly condemning the protests. He emphasized his hope that the university would take immediate action to end the demonstrations and restore trust. Leon Cooperman, the chairman and CEO of Omega Family Office, expressed discomfort with the ongoing protests but hasn’t yet decided to halt his donations to Columbia’s business school. The protests have also drawn attention from government officials. Rep. Elise Stefanik, along with nine other House Republicans, demanded the resignation of President Shafik, citing an “illegal, antisemitic encampment” on campus. This incident echoes a previous controversy involving Ivy League outrage and donor backlash, which led to the resignations of the presidents of Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. Amidst these developments, Columbia University officials have expressed gratitude for Kraft’s past support but have emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of the community during this crisis.
Columbia University Faces Donor Backlash over Pro-Palestinian Protests
