A Jewish Israeli professor at Columbia University was denied access to campus while attempting to join a counter-protest, escalating tensions between pro-Israel and Palestine demonstrators. Despite the university’s efforts to prevent clashes, safety concerns for Jewish students remain. Billionaire Robert Kraft has paused donations to the school over worries about the lack of protection for Jewish students and faculty.
The arrest of over 100 pro-Palestinian students on Columbia University’s South Lawn has intensified tensions and sparked fears of further action by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Amid warnings of potential threats against Jewish students and anti-Israel student protesters, the university’s response to the protests has drawn criticism from the student-run newspaper, the Spectator.
Anti-Israel protesters who gathered at Yale University’s Beinecke Plaza were arrested after refusing to meet with school trustees and campus officials. The university attempted to negotiate with the group, but they declined the offer and continued to occupy the plaza. Campus police arrested 47 students who refused to leave on Monday morning after attempts at voluntary dispersal failed. The protesters were referred for Yale disciplinary action, which could include sanctions such as reprimand, probation, or suspension.
In response to mounting unrest and safety concerns for Jewish students on Columbia University’s campus, Democratic Senator John Fetterman has called on university president Minouche Shafik to resign or fulfill her duties effectively. Fetterman likened the anti-Israel protests to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017, citing antisemitic rhetoric and fears that the situation could escalate.
A Jewish Columbia University professor has been denied access to the main campus amidst widespread anti-Israel protests. Professor Shai Davidai, who has criticized the university’s response to the demonstrations, had his keycard deactivated. Meanwhile, anti-Israel protesters have been allowed on campus, raising concerns about safety for Jewish students and faculty.
House Republicans from New York are demanding the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik following an antisemitic incident on campus. Citing the need for order and safety for students, the lawmakers accuse Shafik of failing to address the situation, prompting canceled classes and students advised to leave before Passover.
