Speaker Johnson Calls for Resignation of Columbia University President

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed his opinion in an interview on Wednesday that Columbia University President Minouche Shafik should step down following anti-Israel protests at the institution.

Johnson, who was a guest on Hugh Hewitt’s radio show, will be visiting the university with several congressmen to have a meal with Jewish students and Rabbi Yuda Drizin, as well as to hold a news conference.

Due to the protests, the university has had to move all in-person classes online for the rest of the semester. Numerous arrests have been made during protests at both Columbia University and New York University.

“It’s unacceptable,” stated Johnson. “Shafik has displayed weak leadership. They are unable to ensure the safety of Jewish students? Students have to fear for their safety and miss class? It’s infuriating.”

Johnson condemned the presence of anti-Israel protests on college campuses as “disgusting and unacceptable.” He suggested that schools should lose their federal funding if they are unable to manage their campuses.

“Jewish students have been physically attacked, harassed, threatened, and intimidated,” Johnson said.

He advocated for the revocation of visas for violent protesters, stating, “You do not have the right to be here and behave this way. Jewish students have the right to attend classes peacefully and get an education. This chaos needs to stop. Every leader, political figure, and conscientious citizen must denounce this behavior, as it does not represent who we are in America.”

Prior to Johnson’s visit, the university reported making progress with pro-Palestinian student protesters who had set up a tent encampment. The deadline for their removal was extended.

According to the university, student protesters have agreed to dismantle and remove a significant number of tents. However, a smaller encampment still remained on campus on Wednesday morning.

The protest is said to involve only Columbia University students.

Information from the Associated Press was referenced in this report.