The whole slate of the New York GOP members in the House of Representatives has called for the resignation of Minouche Shafik, Columbia University president, amid pro-Palestinian protests — and criticism of the leadership at the Ivy League school.
Ten lawmakers, led by Representative Elise Stefanik, signed a letter claiming the Columbia campus is roiling with “anarchy” and that the president has failed in her obligation to provide a safe learning environment.
Students numbering in the hundreds have occupied the Manhattan campus for three days to protest the administration of Joe Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war — demanding a cease-fire — and urging Congress to stop military aid provided to Israel.
Over 100 demonstrators were reportedly arrested Friday on orders from Shafik. At least 45 have been said to have been arrested at Yale University in Connecticut in similar protests.
“The situation unfolding on campus right now is a direct product of your policies and misguided decisions,” said the New York legislators’ letter to Shafik. “Based on these recent events and your testimony in front of Congress, we have no confidence in your leadership of this once-esteemed institution.”
“The ongoing situation that has unfolded is a direct symptom of your continued lax enforcement of policy and clear double standards. While the rot is systemic, the responsibility rests squarely on your shoulders. It is time for Columbia University to turn the page on this shameful chapter. This can only be done through the restoration of order and your prompt resignation,” the legislators continued.
Demands for Shafik’s resignation have piled up on both sides of the aisle
The Hill reported that demands for Shafik’s resignation have piled up from both sides of the aisle, with Democrat Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania making similar demands.
According to the publication, many of the protesting students are Jewish, and protest groups have fought back against the mischaracterization of their demonstrations as antisemitic.
“We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammation individuals who do not represent us,” said protest leaders in a Sunday statement. “Our members have been misidentified by a politically motivated mob.”
Shafik, in her own statement, said she is “deeply saddened” by protests on campus.
“Let’s sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions,” urged Shafik.
Besides Rep. Stefanik, other New York Republican legislators who signed the letter were Representatives Claudia Tenney, Nicole Malliotakis, Mike Lawler, Nick Langworthy, Nick LaLota, Anthony D’Esposito, Andrew Garbarino, Brandon Williams, and Marc Molinaro.
