Dem Rep. Gottheimer Urges Columbia University to Ensure the Safety of Jewish Students

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., along with other Jewish members of Congress, visited the protest-ridden campus at Columbia University on Monday, issuing a warning to university leaders that there will be consequences if the demonstrations are not controlled.

Following the visit, Gottheimer addressed Jewish students at a press conference, declaring, “while the leadership of Columbia may be failing you, we will not,” as reported by The Hill.

“We are all standing here today as Jewish members of Congress to make one thing clear, Jewish students are welcome here at Columbia,” Gottheimer stated, adding:

“We will do everything in our power to keep you safe and do everything in Washington we can to ensure that you feel welcome at this university or any university across the United States of America.

“And Columbia University, if they don’t follow through, will pay the price,” he vowed, as reported by The Hill.

Accompanying Gottheimer were Democratic Reps. Dan Goldman of New York, Kathy Manning of North Carolina, and Jared Moskowitz of Florida, according to the outlet.

Protesters at Columbia’s campus, occupying since Friday, have been criticizing the Biden administration’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for a cease-fire and demanding Congress to stop sending military aid to Israel, The Hill reported.

Manning linked the protests to a hearing in the education committee, where Shafik was questioned by lawmakers regarding the increasing antisemitism on college campuses, resulting in Shafik committing to new campus policies to protect Jewish students.

“Sadly, since that hearing, the protests have escalated, becoming more extreme, hostile, and threatening, with blatantly antisemitic chants,” Manning stated, as reported by The Hill.

“While free speech and the right to protest are vital components of this university’s history, these rights must be exercised in accordance with the established rules of the school.”

Moskowitz and Manning pledged bipartisan efforts in Congress to combat antisemitism on campuses nationwide.

“I hope that we can differentiate between free speech and unacceptable antisemitism,” Moskowitz commented. “We, in Congress, will work together on a bipartisan basis to ensure that we are not only protecting the Jewish students here and their families but doing so across the country.”

Goldman characterized the demonstrations as “unacceptable” and urged university leaders to disband the encampment.

“While everyone has the First Amendment right to voice their opinions in this country, the university and all universities have a duty to uphold the safety and security of their students,” Goldman emphasized.

“We can engage in discussions and disagreements, but we cannot tolerate harassment or violence,” he added. “It is the responsibility of the university to enforce this.”