House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has called for the removal of Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik after a mob of anti-Israel agitators took over an academic building on campus. Stefanik sent a letter to the co-chairs of the Trustees of Columbia University accusing Shafik of allowing chaos and violence to overrun the campus, including the storming, defacement, and occupation of Hamilton Hall by the mob. She argued that the violence and illegal activities go beyond the protection of free speech under the First Amendment and called for swift action to retake the campus, restore order, and protect Jewish students.
Stefanik criticized the university for failing to address antisemitism and disorder on campus, accusing them of allowing the situation to escalate by not enforcing deadlines for the encampment to clear and preventing the NYPD from removing the protesters. She claimed that President Shafik has enabled antisemitic radicals to sow chaos on campus, creating an unsafe environment for all students and staff. Stefanik urged the university trustees to remove Shafik from her position and ensure the safety of everyone on campus before another building falls into the hands of protesters.
Stefanik has been vocal in her demands for federal intervention to protect Jewish students at Columbia University. In a letter to top members of the Biden administration, she called for consequences for those endorsing terrorism and violent attacks, citing the Immigration and Nationality Act as a basis for revoking visas and deporting students involved in antisemitic actions. She also urged the Department of Education to hold Columbia accountable by revoking federal funding to the Ivy League school.
The Congresswoman’s letter to the university trustees and the Biden administration comes in the wake of ongoing protests and acts of violence at Columbia University. Stefanik has accused President Shafik of mishandling the situation, allowing a culture of lawlessness to prevail on campus. By failing to enforce consequences against antisemitic actions and enabling the mob rule, Shafik has neglected the safety and well-being of Jewish students and faculty, putting everyone at risk.
Stefanik’s call for President Shafik’s removal and federal intervention at Columbia University highlights her commitment to protecting Jewish students and ensuring a safe and inclusive campus environment. By demanding swift action to address antisemitism and violence on campus, she sends a strong message against hate and discrimination, advocating for the rule of law to be upheld and for those inciting violence to face consequences for their actions.
As the situation at Columbia University continues to unfold, the actions of President Shafik and the response from the university trustees and the Biden administration will be closely watched. Stefanik’s advocacy for the safety of students and the protection of academic freedom underscores the importance of upholding the principles of equality, respect, and tolerance on college campuses across the country.
