Columbia president holds her own under congressional grilling over campus antisemitism that felled the leaders of Harvard and Penn
The ConversationApr 21
Columbia University President Testifies About On-Campus Antisemitism
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The Facts
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Wednesday questioned Columbia University Pres. Minouche Shafik over her institution's handling of antisemitism on campus after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Shafik was joined by Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Claire Shipman and David Greenwald and co-chair of the Columbia Task Force on Antisemitism, Prof. David Schizer.
The Spin
Narrative A
University campuses in the US have, in recent months, witnessed the rise of antisemitism. What's more worrying is the lack of condemnation from university leadership. There's never been a more important time than now to emphasize the need for unity and peaceful coexistence, alongside taking a firm stand in solidarity to stop all forms of antisemitism in turbulent times. These institutions must make deep systemic changes to address an untenable spike in hate speech since Oct. 7.
Narrative B
Addressing antisemitism on campus requires a nuanced approach that upholds free speech and combats bigotry. While recognizing the need to combat antisemitism, enforcing strict speech rules risks stifling debate and breeding resentment. Campus leaders can create task forces and promote open dialogue to counter both antisemitism and Islamophobia effectively. Upholding free speech safeguards vulnerable minorities, including Jewish and Palestinian voices, and ensures a diverse and inclusive campus environment.