Mike Johnson, a Congressman from Louisiana, is suggesting that the National Guard should be called in to quell the Gaza ceasefire protests at Columbia University if they do not end on their own. Johnson, along with several House Republicans, visited the Ivy League school in New York City as tensions rose over demonstrations by students who have set up a tent city on campus in protest of Columbia’s investments in companies linked to Israel. During Johnson’s speech, pro-ceasefire student activists repeatedly heckled and tried to interrupt him with coordinated chants such as “We can’t hear you” and “Mike, you s—.”
When asked if he would urge President Biden to call in the National Guard to the campus, Johnson did not rule out the possibility, stating that he would be speaking with the president shortly to share what they had seen and demand action. Johnson condemned the demonstrators as a “mob” and called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign if she could not bring order to the chaos. He accused the protesters of censorship and intimidation, urging them to return to class and engage in respectful debate rather than forcing their fellow students to stay home in fear.
Johnson emphasized the importance of allowing for a diverse range of opinions on college campuses and criticized the protestors for shouting down those with whom they disagree. He called their behavior un-American and urged them to reconsider their actions by allowing for a free exchange of ideas. Johnson’s comments come amid a growing concern about antisemitism on college campuses and the need to protect Jewish students who may feel unsafe due to protests and demonstrations related to Israel.
The tensions at Columbia University highlight the broader issue of free speech and academic freedom on college campuses. Johnson’s call for the National Guard to intervene reflects a desire to restore order and ensure that all students are able to participate in campus life without fear of intimidation or violence. By addressing the protestors directly and challenging their behavior, Johnson is seeking to uphold the principles of the First Amendment and promote a culture of open dialogue and debate.
As the situation at Columbia University continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how President Biden and other officials will respond to calls for intervention. Johnson’s visit to the campus and subsequent comments have drawn attention to the challenges facing universities in maintaining a balance between protecting free speech and ensuring the safety of their students. The debate over how to address protests related to Israel and other contentious issues is likely to continue, with lawmakers and educators grappling with how best to promote a climate of civility and respect on college campuses.
