House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik accused Columbia University’s leadership of civil rights violations in handling disruptive anti-Israel protests on campus. In a letter to top Biden administration officials, she demanded that federal funding to the Ivy League school be stripped due to alleged violations of the Civil Rights Act. Stefanik criticized Columbia University for failing to address ongoing antisemitism, enforce campus policies, and fulfill responsibilities under federal law. She claimed that the university’s president, Minouche Shafik, has allowed anti-Israel protesters to target Jewish students without consequence, thus violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Stefanik pointed out the Department of Education’s investigation into seven schools, including Columbia University, over alleged incidents of antisemitism and called for the findings to be published. She urged Education Secretary Cardona to hold the university accountable and revoke federal funding to prevent taxpayers from funding ongoing discrimination. Stefanik also called on Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to revoke visas and deport students suspended for antisemitic conduct. In the past, she has also called for the resignation of Columbia University’s president for jeopardizing the safety of Jewish students.
The anti-Israel protests at Columbia’s Manhattan campus have resulted in over 100 arrests and led to the closure of the school to students and faculty. Hybrid classes will replace in-person learning for the remainder of the term due to the unrest. Stefanik criticized President Shafik for giving in to the “anarchy” of the protesters instead of taking action against them. She argued that the school’s failure to address the situation effectively has led to a loss of control on campus and put the safety of students at risk, particularly Jewish students who have been targeted based on their religious beliefs.
Stefanik’s letter to federal officials demanded immediate action against Columbia University for its alleged violations of the Civil Rights Act. She accused the university leadership of allowing antisemitism to persist on campus and failing to protect Jewish students from being targeted by anti-Israel protesters. Stefanik called for accountability from the Department of Education and the revocation of federal funding to prevent discrimination. She also urged the deportation of students involved in antisemitic conduct and criticized the university for closing its doors to students and faculty instead of addressing the root cause of the protests. Overall, Stefanik’s actions reflect her commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety of all students on college campuses.
