Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has faced mounting pressure to send in the National Guard to quell anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, but she has refused to take action despite legal justification. Lawmakers are calling for the resignation of Columbia University President Dr. Nemat Shafik, accusing her of allowing antisemitism to fester on campus. Experts say Hochul has the legal obligation to deploy the National Guard to restore public order and ensure equal educational opportunity for Jewish students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The protests at Columbia University, which have escalated into violent threats against Jewish students, have raised concerns about safety on campus. Lawmakers are urging the National Guard to disperse the protesters who are chanting antisemitic slogans and supporting terrorist groups like Hamas. Some are calling on President Joe Biden to take charge and intervene if local authorities fail to act. Hochul has condemned the threats against Jewish students as antisemitism but has not called for authorities to break up the encampment.
Rabbi Elie Buechler at Columbia University and Barnard College has encouraged Jewish students to leave campus and go home due to the escalating tensions and threats from protesters. The Orthodox rabbi’s message came after agitators were caught on camera expressing support for terrorism and violence towards Jewish students. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has condemned the hate speech and instructed the NYPD to investigate any violations of the law. The NYPD remains on standby surrounding the campus, with authorities ready to enter if violence occurs.
While some lawmakers are calling for the National Guard to intervene to protect Jewish students on campus, Hochul and Shafik have not made any decisions to request military assistance. Shafik has expressed hope that the situation can be resolved without the need for external intervention, emphasizing the importance of adherence to campus rules and enforcement mechanisms to maintain safety. However, the ongoing threats and chants glorifying terrorism have raised concerns about the necessity of additional security measures to protect the campus community.
The use of the National Guard to address the protests at Columbia University has sparked debate among lawmakers and legal experts. Critics argue that certain forms of speech and actions, such as inciting violence or harassment, are not protected under the First Amendment, potentially justifying intervention to maintain public order and protect Jewish students. The NYPD has stated that it will enter the university campus if violence occurs, despite Columbia University’s historical reluctance to have police presence on campus. The situation continues to unfold as tensions remain high on the eve of the Jewish Passover holiday.
The refusal of New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Columbia University President Dr. Nemat Shafik to call for external intervention to disperse the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University has drawn criticism and calls for stronger measures to ensure the safety of Jewish students. Lawmakers, experts, and community leaders are urging authorities to take action to prevent further escalation of tensions and protect the campus community. The situation highlights the complex challenges posed by freedom of speech, campus safety, and the rise of antisemitism in academic environments, prompting a broader discussion about the role of law enforcement and potential legal justifications for intervention in such circumstances.
