Speaker Mike Johnson has announced plans to request President Joe Biden to deploy the National Guard to Columbia University following disruptive protests during his campus visit.
Johnson, accompanied by Republican lawmakers from New York and other states, has reiterated calls for the resignation of Columbia’s President Minouche Shafik, citing her inability to ensure the safety of Jewish students amid ongoing campus turmoil.
The protesters disrupted the event with loud chants, questioning the identity of the visiting politicians and expressing pro-Palestine sentiments, which made communication difficult for everyone present.
This incident at Columbia University is part of a broader pattern of protests linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, affecting universities across the nation including NYU, Yale, and MIT.
Read More: Trump Seems To Hold Israel Responsible for Rise in Anti-Semitism
These demonstrations have sparked bipartisan concern due to reported incidents of antisemitism.
Earlier in the day, Johnson criticized President Shafik on a radio show, labeling her a “weak and inept leader.”
In response to these events, various Republican lawmakers, including members of New York’s GOP delegation and Sen. John Fetterman, have called for Shafik’s resignation.
Johnson emphasized the need for students to return to their academic responsibilities and criticized the financial implications of their ongoing protests.
Also Read: Trump Blasts Sen. Graham for Disagreeing With Him in Clash Over Abortion Policies
The situation escalated earlier in the week when about 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested following a decision by university leadership to involve the police, a move that has since triggered further demonstrations and legal actions across multiple campuses.
House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx also criticized Shafik for allegedly providing false testimony during a congressional hearing, intensifying the demand for her resignation.
During a meeting with Columbia’s President, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler expressed dissatisfaction with Shafik’s handling of the situation, stating her lack of control over the university.
Following these discussions, Columbia spokesperson Ben Chang refuted rumors about the National Guard’s involvement but acknowledged the violations of university policies by the protestors.
Read Next: President Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Ran Out of Missiles To Defend Trypillia Thermal Power Plant
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also weighed in, denouncing the actions on U.S. college campuses and highlighting the severity of antisemitic activities during these protests.
This international attention underscores the global implications of the ongoing protests and responses by university administrations.
The unfolding events at Columbia have drawn political figures from both parties, including Democrats who visited the campus to express solidarity with Jewish students.
Amidst this political backdrop, President Biden has remained relatively quiet on the issue of Shafik’s leadership, focusing instead on broader statements against antisemitism.
As the situation continues to evolve, the controversy surrounding the protests not only highlights the charged political atmosphere but also the challenges facing educational institutions in managing free speech and campus safety.
Tags:
