Calls for the resignation of Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik have intensified as students face mass arrests during similar demonstrations across the country amid increasing tensions due to anti-Israel protests on university campuses nationwide.
All 10 House Republicans from New York have joined the chorus, pointing out what they see as Shafik’s failure to maintain a safe learning environment. House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik led the lawmakers in writing a letter about Shafik’s handling of recent events, including her congressional testimony about accusations of antisemitism on campus.
Criticism of Shafik comes from both Republicans and left-wing activists. Republicans claim she has been too lenient in enforcing policies, leading to what they call “anarchy” on campus. On the other hand, she has faced pushback from left-wing activists for allowing NYPD officers to arrest protesters at a tent encampment.
Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, who witnessed the protests at Columbia University firsthand, expressed his concerns about student safety to Fox News. He did not explicitly call for Shafik’s resignation but said it was time for university officials to address antisemitism on campus.
Some Jewish students have taken to social media to report instances of physical and verbal targeting by anti-Israel protesters, expressing fears for their safety, as previously highlighted by The Dallas Express. social media to report instances of physical and verbal targeting by anti-Israel protesters, expressing fears for their safety, as previously highlighted by The Dallas Express.
As classes move to a remote status due to safety concerns, the pressure on Shafik to restore order and ensure a safe environment for students continues to build.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the protest at Columbia University initially focused on the university’s investments in companies tied to Israel. Similar protests and demonstrations have spread to some 200 colleges and universities nationwide, including the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Emerson College, Tufts University, and New York University (NYU).
Protesters carrying flares marched toward NYPD headquarters late Monday night after over 130 individuals were arrested at NYU earlier in the day. Videos circulating online show protesters holding bright flares and chanting slogans like “Gaza” while others waved flags and banged on drums.
The initial protests on campus began peacefully but quickly turned as demonstrators voiced their grievances against what they see as injustices by the Israeli government, as per the New York Post. The protesters demanded that the university divest from weapons manufacturers and cut ties with Tel Aviv University. contentious Multiple faculty members from NYU were seen joining the rally, linking arms in an apparent effort to stop the NYPD from intervening further, according to the New York Post. Reports indicate that 133 protesters were arrested as the demonstration at NYU’s Gould Plaza was dispersed.
Notably, several faculty members from NYU were observed joining the rally, linking arms in an apparent attempt to prevent the NYPD from intervening further, according to the New York Post. According to reports, 133 protesters were arrested as the demonstration at NYU’s Gould Plaza was dispersed.
Yale University also reported 47 arrests on Monday night, showing the current unrest at some college campuses in the country during these pro-Hamas protests.
