Administrators at Columbia University have once again shown their cowardice by backing down and refusing to take action against a group of anti-Israel protesters who have taken over the university’s quad. Despite giving multiple deadlines, each of which has come and gone without any action being taken, the university has now announced that it will not use the New York Police Department to clear out the protesters.
This decision comes after days of negotiations between the university and the protesters, who have made demands that go against the values of free speech and academic freedom that universities are supposed to uphold. Clearly, the protesters have no intention of leaving, and the university’s lack of action only emboldens them further.
The protests, which have spread to other universities and even to other parts of Manhattan, have shown a disturbing display of support for terror group Hamas. Chants such as “one solution: revolution” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” make it abundantly clear that these are not peaceful protests but rather a show of support for violent and extremist ideologies.
It is particularly concerning that these protests have led to the cancellation of USC’s commencement ceremony. It is unacceptable that a small group of students can dictate university policies and intimidate administrators into canceling a beloved tradition that brings together families and friends to celebrate the achievements of graduating students. It is yet to be seen if Columbia University will succumb to similar pressure and cancel its own commencement ceremony.
The fact that these protests have caused universities to resort to hybrid instruction and cancel important events while also disrupting the education of other students highlights the toxic and divisive nature of the protest movement. Instead of encouraging open and respectful dialogue, these protesters use intimidation tactics to silence any opposing viewpoints.
WATCH: Surrounded by police in riot gear, hundreds of anti-Israel protesters on Columbia’s campus are loudly chanting the genocidal slogan of their movement, and that the “one solution” is “revolution”
Daily Wire field reporter @SpencerLndqst is on the scene in New York City: pic.twitter.com/5RdnX2ZVDJ
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) April 24, 2024
NEW: Campus police appear to watch and do nothing as a pro-Palestine protester assaults a man and pulls out a taser at UCLA.
The footage filmed by @camhigby shows officers watching as a man gets assaulted on campus.
The situation at UCLA continues to worsen as protesters have… pic.twitter.com/BAn1AvT4jG
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 29, 2024
As negotiations continue at Columbia, it is crucial that the university stands firm and upholds its values of free speech and academic freedom. Allowing a small group of extremists to dictate university policies and disrupt campus life sets a dangerous precedent. Universities must be places where all ideas and viewpoints can be expressed, not just those that align with a certain agenda.
It is time for administrators at Columbia University and other universities facing similar protests to show some backbone and take action against these agitators. It is not only the responsibility of the university but also of law enforcement to ensure that the rights of all students are protected and that campuses remain a safe and inclusive environment for learning. Anything less is a failure of their duty and a betrayal of the students who rely on them for a quality education.
