New York Attorney General James Criticizes Columbia Protests While Teaching at University

New York State Attorney General Letitia James has issued a statement this week denouncing the antisemitic behavior at Columbia University, while confirming her intention to continue serving as a faculty member.

According to an article by the New York Post, James expressed concern about the escalating demonstrations at Columbia University while holding a position as a visiting Professor of Public Policy in the Faculty of International and Public Affairs.

Her faculty bio states that James has been in this role since 2021 and received a salary of $15,000 in 2023 for the part-time assignment, with plans to teach in 2024 with an increased compensation of $20,000.

In her statement, James emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and condemned any hate and antisemitic violence that may arise from demonstrations. She stated that her office is closely monitoring the situation.

Recent tension at various college campuses stems from demands for schools to divest from companies that allegedly profit from practices in Palestine that protestors describe as apartheid, genocide, and occupation.

Columbia University recently made national headlines after over 100 arrests were reported during a demonstration at Columbia’s South Lawn. In response, Columbia president Minouche Shafik opted to switch to remote learning for classes on Monday.

James concluded her statement by calling for unity in the face of hate and emphasizing the need to stand against those who seek to sow division.

Despite the controversy, James gained national attention after bringing a civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump. She remains committed to her public duties while also teaching at Columbia University.

Her opponent in the attorney general race, Michael Henry, called on James to prioritize her role as a public servant and resign from her faculty position at Columbia. However, James’ office stated that she believes she can positively impact students at Columbia during this critical time.