Rep. Elise Stefanik wants Columbia University to fire Shafik due to building takeover.
Amidst the chaos and disorder that unfolded at Columbia University, House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., took a bold stance by calling for the removal of President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik. The incident involved a mob of anti-Israel agitators taking over an academic building on campus, holding workers hostage, barricading the building, and making demands to the university.
Stefanik condemned the actions of the protesters as a violation of free speech rights protected under the First Amendment, emphasizing that the violence was a direct result of President Shafik’s appeasement policies towards antisemitism on campus. The Congresswoman accused Columbia University of allowing antisemitism and disorder to fester for too long without taking strict enforcement action. She criticized the university for failing to clear the encampment despite setting deadlines and preventing the NYPD from entering campus to restore order.
The situation escalated when a student, previously banned from the campus for inciting violence against Jews, reportedly led the takeover of Hamilton Hall. Stefanik highlighted this as a failure of President Shafik’s leadership, where consequences were not enforced, resulting in events that could have been avoided. The Congresswoman was particularly concerned about the unsafe environment created for Jewish students and faculty due to the university’s leniency towards antisemitic behavior.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Stefanik urged the university trustees to remove President Shafik to ensure the safety of students and staff. She emphasized the need for swift action before another building on campus suffered a similar fate. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Congresswoman had been notably silent regarding the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University until now.
Stefanik’s response to the antisemitic riots at Columbia extended beyond campus grounds. She penned a letter to top officials in the Biden administration, requesting federal intervention to protect Jewish students. In her communication, she denounced the protesters as an unsanctioned mob targeting Jewish students and referenced instances of antisemitic incidents resulting from their activities. The Congresswoman cited the Immigration and Nationality Act to highlight that those endorsing terrorism could potentially lose their eligibility for American residency.
Moreover, Stefanik called for the enforcement of existing laws to revoke visas and deport students engaging in antisemitic actions. She urged the Department of Education to hold Columbia accountable by revoking any federal funding allocated to the institution. By taking a stand against the spread of wicked ideologies and demanding consequences for those supporting terror, Stefanik showcased her commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all individuals on campus.
The urgent call for action by House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik signifies a pivotal moment in addressing the escalating antisemitism and disorder at Columbia University. As the campus grapples with the aftermath of the anti-Israel protests, the spotlight remains on the university’s administration to restore order and protect the rights of all students and faculty members.
