Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul faced mounting pressure to send in the National Guard to quell anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, but she refused to take action. Lawmakers and experts argued that she had the legal justification to intervene under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ensures equal educational opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Members of Congress, including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, called for the resignation of Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik for allowing antisemitism to persist on campus.
Despite ongoing tensions and safety concerns for Jewish students, neither the NYPD nor the National Guard were deployed to address the escalating situation on campus. The Jewish Passover holiday was approaching, and in-person classes had been canceled due to fears for students’ safety. The Gaza Solidarity Encampment, where protesters openly expressed support for Hamas and called for the expulsion of Zionists, continued to occupy Columbia University grounds. The refusal to send in law enforcement sparked criticism and calls for action from lawmakers and legal experts.
Legal scholar Ilya Shapiro noted that not all speech is protected under the First Amendment, particularly speech that incites violence or makes death threats. Many of the anti-Israel agitators at Columbia University were engaging in behavior that might not be protected by law. Lawmakers like Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen. Tom Cotton urged the government to deploy the National Guard to protect Jewish Americans on campus, drawing parallels to past instances when military intervention was deemed necessary to maintain public order.
Governor Hochul acknowledged the right to protest but emphasized the need for a safe academic environment free from harassment and violence. She condemned the antisemitic sentiments expressed by some protesters but stopped short of authorizing the National Guard to disperse the encampment. Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik expressed sadness over the situation, stating that the university should be able to maintain safety and order on campus without outside intervention.
The Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College advised Jewish students to leave campus due to the escalating tensions and anti-Jewish sentiments expressed by protesters. Rabbi Elie Buechler’s message encouraged students to prioritize their safety and well-being until the situation improved. In response, Mayor Eric Adams condemned the hate speech and terrorist support displayed by some protesters, emphasizing that the NYPD would take action against any violations of law reported on campus.
As the situation at Columbia University continued to unfold, the NYPD remained on standby surrounding the campus, ready to intervene if violence erupted. Officials at the university had historically opposed having law enforcement presence on campus, but indicated that the NYPD would step in if necessary. The ongoing protests and expressions of antisemitism raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish students at the university, prompting calls for swift and decisive action to address the situation.
