Columbia University Faces Antisemitism Backlash as Lawmakers Introduce Anti-Bias Legislation

Columbia University research assistant Omer Lubaton Granot spoke about an upcoming rally at the school, aimed at bringing Israeli voices to campus and advocating for the release of hostages while calling for peace and respect. Meanwhile, two congressional lawmakers from New York have introduced legislation in response to antisemitic protests that pose a risk to Jewish students’ safety on campus. If passed, colleges receiving federal funding would be subjected to third-party monitors appointed by the Secretary of Education to combat antisemitism or face losing funds. The proposed College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability (COLUMBIA) Act was announced on Friday by Reps Mike Lawler, a Republican, and Ritchie Torres, a Democrat. Students at Columbia University have been protesting against the school’s investments in companies with ties to Israel as part of wider progressive backlash following Hamas terror attacks against Israel last month. The protests are facing bipartisan criticism for allegedly crossing into antisemitic territory; videos from campus show activists expressing support for Hamas and calls for Israeli soldier deaths, while Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe on campus due to verbal and physical assaults.