New York House Republicans call on Columbia president to resign amid protests

All 10 New York House Republicans on Monday called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign amid violent pro-Palestinian protests on campus that have led to growing criticism of the university’s leadership from all sides.

Led by Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.), members said Columbia’s campus has been invaded by “anarchy” and that Shafik’s leadership has failed in its obligation to provide a safe learning environment for students.

Hundreds of students occupied the Columbia campus for days, protesting the Biden administration’s response to the Israel-Hamas war, supporting a ceasefire in the conflict and urging Congress to stop sending military aid to Israel.

More than 100 protesters were arrested on Friday on Shafik’s orders, but the demonstrations have only expanded since then and have now spread to other university campuses across the country.

“The situation unfolding on campus right now is a direct product of your misguided policies and decisions,” said the Letter read. “Based on these recent events and his testimony before Congress, we have no confidence in his leadership of this once esteemed institution.”

“The ongoing situation that has unfolded is a direct symptom of your continued negligent application of policy and clear double standards,” he continued. “While the rot is systemic, the responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders. The time has come for Columbia University to turn the page on this shameful chapter. This can only be done through the restoration of order and its immediate renunciation.”

Demands for Shafik’s resignation mounted Monday on both sides of the aisle, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) making similar demands. A group of Jewish House Democrats added during a visit to Columbia on Monday that they might also join calls for the president to lose her job if changes are not made soon.

The criticism comes as concerns grow about the safety of the Jewish student body at Columbia, with some protesters accusing them of harassment. Columbia moved classes online starting Monday, hours before the start of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

The Biden administration denounced the protests on Sunday, calling them “blatantly anti-Semitic” and encouraging “calls for violence.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) made similar comments.

A significant portion of the protesting students are Jewish, and protest groups have fought against the characterization of their demonstrations as anti-Semitic. There were no reports of violence at the protests.

“We are frustrated by media distractions focused on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us,” protest leaders wrote in a statement. statement sunday. “Our members were misidentified by a politically motivated mob.”

“We firmly reject any form of hatred or intolerance and remain vigilant against non-students who attempt to disrupt the solidarity being forged among students,” they continued. “Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, black and pro-Palestinian colleagues and colleagues who represent the full diversity of our country.”

In response to criticism from the Columbia administration, Shafik said on Monday in a statement that she is “deeply saddened” by the protests on campus.

“The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days,” she said. “These tensions were exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia and who came to campus to pursue their own goals. We need a reset.”

“There is a terrible conflict raging across the Middle East with devastating human consequences,” she continued. “But we cannot allow one group to dictate terms and try to disrupt important milestones, like graduation, to promote their point of view. Let’s sit down and talk and discuss and find ways to agree on solutions.”

University leaders will hold discussions with student protesters and faculty in the coming days as an attempt to “de-escalate” tensions on campus, she said.

New York Republican Reps. Nicole Malliotakis, Claudia Tenney, Nick Langworthy, Mike Lawler, Anthony D’Esposito, Nick LaLota, Brandon Williams, Andrew Garbarino, Mark Molinaro and Stefanik signed the letter.