House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik accused Columbia University leadership of civil rights violations due to their handling of disruptive anti-Israel protests on campus. Stefanik wrote a letter to top Biden administration officials demanding federal funding to the institution be stripped for alleged Civil Rights Act violations. She criticized Columbia University for failing to address ongoing antisemitism, enforce campus policies, and fulfill their responsibilities under federal law.
Stefanik claimed that President Minouche Shafik of Columbia University had allowed anti-Israel protesters to target Jewish students without consequence, violating the equal protections guaranteed to students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She argued that the University’s lack of action has resulted in a systemic issue on campus, in which Jewish students have been discriminated against because of their religious beliefs.
She noted that an investigation by the Department of Education into alleged incidents of antisemitism on campus, including at Columbia University, was initiated in November. Stefanik urged Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to hold the university accountable and publish the findings of the probe. She further demanded that federal funding to Columbia and similar institutions be revoked to prevent taxpayers from funding ongoing discrimination.
Stefanik also called on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to revoke visas and deport students who have been suspended for antisemitic conduct at Columbia University. She has been outspoken about combating antisemitism on college campuses and has previously called for the resignation of the president of Columbia University for endangering the safety of Jewish students.
The anti-Israel protests at Columbia University have led to over 100 arrests and have resulted in the closure of the campus to students and faculty. Hybrid classes have been implemented in place of in-person learning for the rest of the term due to the unrest. Stefanik criticized President Shafik for allowing the protests to continue and giving in to the mob’s “anarchy” instead of punishing the protesters for their actions.
In conclusion, Stefanik’s letter to top Biden administration officials highlights her concerns about civil rights violations at Columbia University and the ongoing antisemitic incidents on campus. She is urging for immediate action to address the situation, hold the university accountable, and revoke federal funding to prevent taxpayers from supporting discrimination. Stefanik’s efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses demonstrate her commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all students, particularly Jewish individuals who have been targeted during anti-Israel protests.
