Stefanik Demands Removal of Columbia University President

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., intensified her criticism of Columbia University’s “failed leadership” on Sunday, calling for the removal of the Ivy League school’s president for jeopardizing Jewish students’ safety during pro-Palestine protests.

In a statement, the House Republican Conference chair condemned the congressional testimony from the university’s president, Minouche Shafik.

“While Columbia’s inadequate leadership dedicated numerous hours to preparing for this week’s congressional hearing, it was clearly an effort to conceal their failure to enforce campus regulations and safeguard Jewish students,” Stefanik asserted.

“In recent months, and especially in the past 24 hours, Columbia’s leadership has visibly lost control of its campus, putting the safety of Jewish students at risk,” she continued.

“It is evident that Columbia University, once a distinguished institution of academic excellence founded by Alexander Hamilton, requires new leadership. President Shafik must resign immediately, and the Columbia Board must appoint a president who will defend Jewish students and uphold school policies.”

Last Wednesday, Stefanik accused Columbia’s leadership of neglecting to “enforce their own regulations and denounce anti-Semitic sentiments on campus, fostering an environment for anti-Semitism and a hub of support for terrorism among radicalized faculty and students.”

Following protests against the war in Gaza, dozens of students were arrested on Thursday after occupying part of the campus and pledging to remain until the school divests from companies linked to Israel.