Columbia University said it was “fully committed to combating anti-Semitism” after three federal agencies announced that they would “apparently fail to protect Jewish students” during protests on campus in Israel.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education (DOE) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will conduct a review, they said Monday.
Columbia University has responded to the announcement, saying they plan to review communications and hope to fight the Trump administration against anti-Semitism.
“Colombia is fully committed to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination, and we firmly demand that, promote or honor violence or terror, have no place in our university,” the university said. “We look forward to the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism with the new federal government, and we will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.”
Anti-Israel protesters allegedly attack employees during the takeover of construction of Barnard College in New York City
Anti-Israel agitators gathered on Monday, April 22, 2024 on the Columbia University campus in New York City. The university announced that nearly all classes will be held today in response to ongoing demonstrations on campus. (Peter Gerber)
The news comes after the Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s draft pick for Linda McMahon’s education secretary, who agreed to the president’s desire to close the doe.
McMahon also said she plans to focus on addressing campus anti-Semitism and DEI initiatives.
McMahon’s statement reads that Americans have been horrified for more than a year as Jewish students were attacked and harassed on elite university campuses. Illegal camps and demonstrations completely paralyzed daily campus operations and deprived Jewish students of their learning opportunities. ”
McMahon was identified by the Senate as the next Education Secretary on Monday. (Getty Image)
She said learning institutions have a duty to protect all students from discrimination, especially those with federal funds.
“Colombia clearly failed to uphold the end of this fundamental agreement, raising very serious questions about the agency’s adaptability to continue its business with the U.S. government,” she said.
The GSA will promote review of federal funds received by Colombia, including federal grants and contract reviews.
“GSA remains committed to upholding federal acquisition standards and ensuring government contracts reflect our nation’s values, including the struggle against anti-Semitism (SIC),” said Josh Gruenbaum, a federal acquisition service commissioner. “Through this partnership, we will rule the government in our institutions of higher education to end the anti-Semitism culture (SIC), which has brought all institutions to the notion that it will not be tolerated under President Trump’s executive order.”
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A “Free Palestine” flag is hung inside a building at Barnard College in New York City. (X/Colombian Jews and Israeli students)
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Last week, Colombian students occupied a building at Barnard College in protest against two students who passed the anti-Semitic flyers after disturbing Israeli history courses.
During the protests, they allegedly attacked security personnel, took a guard to the hospital, and caused more than $30,000 to the school.
