A group of 13 U.S. federal judges appointed by former President Trump have pledged not to hire law school students and undergraduates from Columbia University in response to the school’s handling of anti-Israel protests that led to an academic hall being occupied. The judges believe that Columbia has become an “incubator of bigotry” since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7 and have lost confidence in the institution as a higher education facility, citing student disruptions, antisemitism, and threats of violence.
In a letter addressed to Columbia University’s President and Law Dean, the judges recommended steps the university can take to restore its reputation, including punishing students and faculty who engaged in disruptions and violated established rules. They emphasized the importance of upholding free speech on campus while also enforcing conduct rules and protecting against violence and terrorism. The judges highlighted Columbia’s failure to offer neutrality and nondiscrimination in protecting free speech and enforcing campus rules, pointing out double standards in favoring certain viewpoints over others.
The judges also called for a change in the composition of Columbia’s faculty and administration to address ideological homogeneity that has hindered the university’s ability to train future leaders effectively. They expressed concerns about administrators and professors promoting bigotry and antisemitism while being involved in protests. The judges announced that they will not hire anyone affiliated with Columbia University starting with the entering class of 2024, with the aim of restoring academic freedom at the institution.
While some observers have expressed mixed feelings about judges involving themselves in non-courtroom issues, others support the judges’ stance on not hiring from Columbia University. William A. Jacobson, president of the Legal Insurrection Foundation, acknowledged the judges’ concerns about the radicalization of academia but also expressed reservations about the collective action of the judges in issuing a statement. Jacobson discussed the complexities of boycotting an entire institution like Columbia due to the actions of some students and faculty members.
Despite concerns about the judges’ collective action, Jacobson emphasized the need for external pressure to reform radicalized academia, particularly regarding institutions like Columbia. He highlighted the challenges of internal reform within universities and the importance of societal protection from the influence of academia. Jacobson predicted that there may be protests or pushback against the anti-Israel sentiments prevalent at Columbia and other universities, warning that current societal challenges related to academia may require long-term efforts to address effectively.
