Backlash against Pro-Palestine Rally at Columbia University over Antisemitism Concerns

The Columbia rally started after the university’s president testified at a House hearing on campus antisemitism. The White House condemned antisemitism and expressed concern about recent events, including the dispersal of a pro-Palestinian rally at Columbia University and the subsequent arrest of over 100 students by the New York City police.

The Deputy Press Secretary emphasized the right to peaceful protest while denouncing violence and intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community as blatantly antisemitic. New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed horror and disgust at the antisemitism around the Columbia University campus and instructed the police to investigate any violations of the law in response to these events.

The rally at Columbia took place a day after the university’s president testified at the House hearing, and among the students arrested was Isra Hirsi, daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar. Lawmakers, including Representative Stefanik, had questioned the Columbia president about the praise shown by some professors for Hamas’s attack on Israel, prompting billionaire Bill Ackman to criticize the university leadership.

Harvard University implemented restrictions in response to potential disruptive protests, including spot checks for identifications and prohibitions on items without prior approval. Yale University’s president affirmed support for free speech and civil discourse while emphasizing the commitment to campus safety, peaceful assembly, and civil discourse.