House Speaker Mike Johnson, along with New York House Republicans, is calling for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign over her handling of anti-Israel demonstrations on campus, labeling her as a “very weak” and “inept” leader. Johnson expressed outrage during a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt, criticizing the university for failing to guarantee the safety of Jewish students who have been physically assaulted, harassed, intimidated, and threatened. He believes that if universities cannot maintain control of these situations, federal funding should be revoked and student visas for violent protesters should be revoked as well. Johnson emphasized that Jewish students have the right to peacefully attend classes and receive an education without fear of violence or intimidation.
Columbia University has made efforts to ease tensions resulting from the anti-Israel demonstrations, including dismantling and removing a significant number of tents at an encampment on campus. Despite these measures, Johnson remains adamant in his call for Shafik’s resignation and for accountability from university leaders. He criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the situation, accusing them of caving to the pro-Hamas wing of the Democratic party and failing to provide strong leadership on the issue. Johnson stated that some Democratic members of Congress have refused to denounce antisemitic chants and have labeled the antisemitic mobs as peaceful protesters, allowing mob rule to overtake American ideals of free speech, the free exchange of ideas, and the free exercise of religion.
Johnson and his fellow House Republicans are determined to address the rising anti-Israel sentiments on college campuses across the country, denouncing the behavior as disgusting and unacceptable. They are urging every leader, political official, and citizen of good conscience to speak out against these actions, emphasizing that this is not representative of American values. Johnson highlighted the importance of university officials taking control of the situation and ensuring that Jewish students are able to attend classes without fear. He expressed frustration with protesters who lack understanding of the facts and denied the occurrence of significant events, calling for accountability and actions to curb the escalating tension and violence on campuses.
The House Speaker, along with New York House Republicans, are planning a press conference at Columbia University to call for Shafik’s resignation and demand accountability for her handling of the anti-Israel demonstrations. They are determined to hold university officials responsible for ensuring the safety and security of Jewish students and maintaining control of campus environments. Johnson stressed the need for strong leadership in addressing these issues, criticizing the Biden administration for its lack of support and accusing some Democratic members of Congress of enabling the antisemitic behavior. He called for a crackdown on violence and intimidation on college campuses and emphasized the importance of upholding American ideals of free speech, the free exchange of ideas, and the free exercise of religion.
In response to the escalating tensions on campus, Columbia University has taken steps to address the anti-Israel protests, including dismantling tents and implementing measures to ease the situation. Despite these efforts, Johnson and his colleagues remain steadfast in their demand for accountability and change, urging university leaders to take decisive action to protect Jewish students and ensure a safe learning environment for all. They are committed to addressing the disturbing behavior on college campuses and calling out those who enable or defend antisemitic actions. Johnson emphasized the importance of standing up against such behavior and ensuring that American values of freedom, tolerance, and respect are upheld in educational settings.
