Former President Donald Trump has slammed Columbia University for closing its campus amidst anti-Israel protests, urging the college to ‘gain a little strength and courage’ to keep it open. The university’s decision to shift classes to hybrid learning came in response to ongoing safety concerns stemming from the demonstrations, which have involved antisemitic incidents and resulted in multiple arrests.
Trump argued that closing the campus gave the protesters a victory, emphasizing that continued education and dialogue are crucial. ‘When you start closing down colleges and universities—that means the other side [wins],’ he said.
Columbia University’s updated guidelines have moved all courses on the Morningside main campus to hybrid learning until the end of the semester, prioritizing safety while striving to support students’ learning and academic operations.
The anti-Israel protests at Columbia are part of a broader trend of antisemitic incidents on college campuses across the nation, including New York University and Yale University. The protests have raised concerns about the safety of Jewish students and the erosion of free speech on campuses.
Columbia University President Nemat ‘Minouche’ Shafik expressed sadness over the actions of some protesters and called for a ‘reset’ in a statement released on Monday. ‘Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm,’ she wrote.
The protests have drawn attention from lawmakers, including Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who visited Columbia and expressed concern about sending his children to the university. The Anti-Defamation League has also condemned the protests, calling them ‘deeply troubling’ and ‘a blatant attack on Jewish students.’
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how Columbia University and other institutions will address the challenge of balancing free speech and safety on their campuses.
