New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke out against the antisemitism and hate speech being directed at Jewish students at Columbia University, urging the NYPD to investigate any violations of the law. He condemned the support of terrorist organizations and emphasized that hate has no place in the city. Adams made it clear that the NYPD cannot have a presence on campus unless specifically requested by senior university officials, but officers are stationed nearby to protect students and New Yorkers on public streets.
Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik canceled classes and called for a “reset” in response to tensions that have been exploited by individuals not affiliated with the school who have come to campus for their own agendas. Instead of bringing in police to disperse the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, Shafik announced the formation of a working group to resolve the crisis peacefully, including engaging with student protestors and identifying actions to allow the term to be completed. Shafik emphasized the need for better adherence to university rules and enforcement mechanisms to ensure community safety without reliance on external forces.
Before the start of Passover, the Columbia and Barnard college’s rabbi warned Jewish students to leave campus due to extreme antisemitism and anarchy that could not be guaranteed against by Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD. Mayor Adams urged Columbia’s senior officials to maintain communication with the NYPD to ensure the safety of all students and staff, acknowledging the grief and anger surrounding the conflict in the Middle East. Adams emphasized the need to express sorrow without resorting to harassment, threats, or physical harm towards others and stood united against hate amid heightened tensions globally.
House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik called for Shafik’s resignation, citing the loss of control on the university campus. Shafik allowed the NYPD to make arrests following her congressional testimony, but the protestors were later released, and the situation escalated. Adams reiterated the importance of unity against hate, especially at a time when tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East are high. He emphasized the impact of the protests on the global Jewish community and expressed support for those mourning innocent lives lost in Gaza. The mayor called for peaceful expression of sorrow while denouncing any form of violence or intimidation towards others.
Adams highlighted the steps taken by the NYPD to protect students and New Yorkers in the area surrounding Columbia University’s campus, stating that lawlessness would not be tolerated. He emphasized the need to investigate any violations of the law, especially when it comes to hate speech and threats directed towards specific groups. The mayor reiterated his commitment to upholding public safety while respecting the private status of the university campus, where the NYPD’s presence is contingent on requests from senior university officials. Adams assured that the NYPD would respond promptly to any request for assistance from the university to maintain a safe environment for all.
