In the wake of bipartisan concerns about antisemitism on campuses, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona issued a statement condemning Columbia University. “Antisemitic hate on college campuses is unacceptable. I am deeply concerned by what is happening at Columbia University,” Cardona said in a statement. Columbia is in its second week of the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” established by students who refuse to leave until their demands, including divestment from Israel, are met. At least three students have been suspended, and the NYPD has arrested others. Due to the unrest, the university has canceled classes for the remainder of the semester. Cardona further stated, “In November 2023, our Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation of Columbia involving Title VI. While we can’t comment on pending investigations, every student deserves to feel a sense of safety and belonging at school. Hate has no place in our schools. All education leaders must stand definitively against hate, antisemitism, anti-Arab, and anti-Muslim sentiment.” While lawmakers such as Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) have called for Columbia’s president to resign, Cardona did not take a position. “While every American has the right to peaceful protest, calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are blatantly Antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous — they have absolutely no place on any college campus, or anywhere in the United States of America,” the Education Secretary added.
Education Secretary Denounces Antisemitism at Columbia University Amid Protests
