Columbia University and Barnard College Grapple with Escalating Anti-Israel Protests
Columbia University and its affiliated institution, Barnard College, are facing renewed turmoil as anti-Israel protests intensify, sparking heated debate and calls for decisive action from faculty and administrators. The recent wave of demonstrations, which included the takeover of a building on Barnard’s campus, has ignited concerns about campus safety, academic freedom, and the potential for antisemitism.
Associate Professor Shai Davidai of Columbia University has emerged as a vocal critic of the protests and the perceived lack of institutional response. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Davidai asserted that the current unrest is a continuation of protests that began on October 12, 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel. He emphasized that unchecked hate and extremism will persist without active intervention.
Davidai specifically condemned the recent occupation of a Barnard College building by over 50 anti-Israel activists, drawing parallels to the previous takeover of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University. He also alleges the protests, though occurring at Barnard, were organized by a Columbia-sanctioned group, a claim the university disputes.
The protests were reportedly triggered by the expulsion of two Barnard students who allegedly disrupted a Columbia University classroom in January. According to reports, the students barged into a class taught by Professor Avi Shilon and distributed flyers containing hateful and antisemitic rhetoric. Shilon told the Times of Israel that he invited the protesters to join the class discussion, but they refused and continued their disruptive behavior.
Davidai pointed to a deeper issue, arguing that the protests are a consequence of "20 years of indoctrination" within the university system. He placed blame on faculty members who, he believes, have been actively indoctrinating students with anti-Israel sentiments.
He also expressed concern about the lack of accountability for protesters, stating that Jewish and non-Jewish students alike are "fed up" with the situation. He shared that parents are questioning the value of their $90,000 tuition payments when the university seemingly allows disruptive students to act with impunity.
Davidai recounted his own attempts to engage with other faculty members on the issue, but claimed that radical students intervened, effectively silencing dissenting voices. He believes these students are exerting undue influence on faculty, dictating what they can say and do.
Beyond the faculty, Davidai criticized the leadership of Columbia University. He stated that former President Minouche Shafik was unprepared for the challenges she faced and accused her of being a "coward." He reserved his strongest criticism for Interim President Katrina Armstrong, whom he deemed "incompetent."
Despite his harsh assessment, Davidai maintained that Columbia University can still turn things around. He proposed a course correction involving the removal of faculty members who "openly support Hamas and other U.S.-designated terror organizations" and the expulsion of students who "blatantly support massacres of Jews and Israelis." He advocated for creating an environment that welcomes professors who prioritize teaching and students who are eager to learn.
The escalating tensions have drawn responses from university administrators. On February 26, Columbia University released a statement on Twitter condemning the disruption of academic activities. Interim President Armstrong also issued a statement following the January class disruption, denouncing the agitators’ actions as a violation of university rules. The university suspended an alleged participant and launched an investigation into the incident.
Barnard College President Laura Ann Rosenbury addressed the situation in an op-ed published in the Chronicle of Higher Education, titled "When Student Protest Goes Too Far." Rosenbury condemned the protesters’ actions as a "calculated act of intimidation" aimed at disrupting academic discourse and promoting antisemitism. She emphasized that such behavior is "utterly at odds with our mission."
The unfolding situation at Columbia and Barnard reflects a broader national debate about the balance between freedom of speech, academic freedom, and the need to protect students from harassment and discrimination. Universities across the country are grappling with similar challenges, as students and faculty engage in passionate and often polarizing discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The history of Columbia and Barnard adds another layer to the complexity. Originally, Columbia was an all-male institution, and Barnard was established as an all-female school. While Barnard remains an independent institution, it became part of the Columbia system in 1900, and the two share academic resources, with students from both institutions able to take classes at either school. This interconnectedness means that unrest at one institution inevitably impacts the other.
As the protests continue, the pressure on Columbia and Barnard administrators to find a resolution is mounting. Students, faculty, alumni, and donors are all closely watching how the universities respond. The decisions made in the coming weeks and months will likely have lasting implications for the campus climate and the future of academic discourse at these prestigious institutions. The focus now rests on whether the universities can restore a sense of order and safety while upholding the principles of free expression and academic inquiry.
