Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement in response to the antisemitic protests engulfing Columbia University’s campus after President Shafik testified before the Committee on Wednesday:
 
"For nearly two days, the pro-Hamas Gaza Solidarity Encampment has plunged Columbia’s campus into chaos and endangered its students. I am glad President Shafik has taken the long overdue step of inviting the New York Police Department (NYPD) to clear this radical, unauthorized encampment.

"While President Shafik testified to the Committee yesterday that her administration was taking the appropriate action to curb antisemitism at Columbia, her words were juxtaposed with the shocking reality of student and faculty protestors declaring a 'liberated zone,' harassing Jewish students, chanting 'Intifada' and 'we don’t want no Zionists here,' and grievously disrupting the right of Columbia students to a safe learning environment.
 
"This brazen and hateful defiance of Columbia’s rules was the product of months of the University’s stark failure to enforce its rules and address antisemitism in a serious manner. Jewish Columbia students have reported to the Committee that they are terrified things will get worse and are angry the administration allowed the situation to deteriorate to this point.
 
"For Columbia to correct course, the events of the past 36 hours must become a turning point. Columbia must take the bold and difficult actions necessary to address the pervasive antisemitism, support for terrorism, and contempt for the University’s rules that have been allowed to flourish on its campus. This includes real discipline that matches the severity of offenses by the students, faculty, and staff responsible, including suspension, expulsion, and termination.
 
"Yesterday’s hearing and the formation of what the NYPD as described as an ‘unlawful encampment’ has only underscored why the Committee’s investigation of Columbia is essential. The Committee has serious concerns regarding misleading and inaccurate statements from yesterday’s testimony, including the University’s response to antisemitic conduct by students and faculty and is committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability."  

###