Columbia University’s policy-making senate votes for resolution calling to investigate school’s leadership
FOX NewsAPR 17 2024
Columbia University's campus oversight panel has criticized Pres. Nemat Minouche Shafik for summoning the police to tackle students protesting the Israel-Gaza war.
On April 17, pro-Palestinian students reportedly set up 50 "Gaza Solidarity" tents that the police dismantled the next day, arresting over 100 protesters.
The university's senate cleared a resolution Friday demanding that the Shafik administration be probed for allegedly violating protocols, academic freedom, and the rights of faculty and students.
Encouraging dissent in universities fosters real learning by challenging ideas. Recent events at Columbia University, threatening protesters, highlight the need for open debate. Universities should protect free expression, embrace diverse views, and prioritize education over silencing dissent.
Calls for Shafik's swift removal stem from her failure to address campus antisemitism. Criticisms include inadequate campus management, lack of Jewish student safety assurance, and failure to combat antisemitism, showcasing leadership deficiencies and accountability lapses.