Columbia University President Testifies About On-Campus Antisemitism

Facts

• The House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Wednesday questioned Columbia University Pres. Minouche Shafik over her institution's handling of antisemitism on campus after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.¹
• Shafik was joined by Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Claire Shipman and David Greenwald and co-chair of the Columbia Task Force on Antisemitism, Prof. David Schizer.²
• She pledged to take action steps to combat antisemitism and disclosed the disciplinary measures implemented by the university — including suspending students for participating in antisemitic incidents.³
• Shafik described a rise in on-campus tensions following the Israel-Hamas war, including stating that some students had used antisemitic language that might warrant discipline.⁴
• She characterized the phrase 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' as a 'hurtful' slogan, adding she wouldn't like to hear the slogan used on the Columbia University campus.⁵
• The Congressional hearing is part of a GOP-led effort to probe antisemitism at Ivy League campuses post-Oct. 7. Last December, presidents at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania resigned after appearing at a similar hearing.⁶

Sources: ¹Guardian, ²POLITICO, ³Al Jazeera, ⁴New York Times, ⁵New York Post and ⁶Associated Press.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by CNN. University campuses in the US have, in recent months, witnessed the rise of antisemitism. What's more worrying is the lack of condemnation from university leadership. There's never been a more important time than now to emphasize the need for unity and peaceful coexistence, alongside taking a firm stand in solidarity to stop all forms of antisemitism in turbulent times. These institutions must make deep systemic changes to address an untenable spike in hate speech since Oct. 7.
• Narrative B, as provided by Time. Addressing antisemitism on campus requires a nuanced approach that upholds free speech and combats bigotry. While recognizing the need to combat antisemitism, enforcing strict speech rules risks stifling debate and breeding resentment. Campus leaders can create task forces and promote open dialogue to counter both antisemitism and Islamophobia effectively. Upholding free speech safeguards vulnerable minorities, including Jewish and Palestinian voices, and ensures a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

Predictions