Democratic Lawmakers Call for Disbandment of Anti-Israel Encampment at Columbia Amid Antisemitism Concerns

The Democratic lawmakers urged Columbia University’s Board of Trustees to disband an anti-Israel encampment on campus as antisemitic protests have persisted for weeks, leading some students to feel unsafe attending classes and accessing university facilities. In a letter signed by 21 House Democrats led by Reps Josh Gottheimer (New Jersey) and Dan Goldman (New York), they condemned the encampment’s creation of an “impermissibly hostile and unsafe environment for Jewish students” in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The lawmakers acknowledged that negotiations between university officials and protest leaders had failed to reach a resolution, stating: “Those who violate the law cannot dictate the terms of the University’s ability to comply with that law.” Columbia President Minouche Shafik announced last week that talks between academic administrators and students about ending protests has broken down after weeks without any headway. She called on those in the encampment “to voluntarily disperse” but did not specify further action, saying: “As these so-called ‘elite’ universities fail on the global stage, it is more important than ever that Congress hold them accountable.” The White House has condemned antisemitic actions by protestors at Columbia University and other US campuses.