House Republicans on Tuesday called for the immediate resignation of Columbia University President Dr. Minouche Shafik, saying she has “lost complete control” of her campus amid growing pro-Palestinian protests.
“The university leadership has lost complete control. It is a disgrace and it is untenable. And we as House Republicans will hold them to account,” said House Republican Conference chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York.
Dozens of protesters took over a building at Columbia University in New York early Tuesday, barricading the entrances and unfurling a Palestinian flag out of a window in the latest escalation of demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war that have spread to college campuses nationwide.
“What these students are doing is shutting down the campuses, you know, taking control of buildings. They are threatening their students’ lives. They are chanting Death to America. At some point you cross the line and they have,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson. “This is not protected free speech. What this is doing is violating the rights of others.”
“The first responsibility of an administrator on the university campus is the safety and security of their students. If, if one fails in that obligation, they have failed entirely. Columbia is out of control,” Johnson added.
Universities nationwide are grappling with how to clear out encampments as commencement ceremonies approach, with some continuing negotiations and others turning to force and ultimatums that have resulted in clashes with police. At many campuses, including Columbia, things appeared to be coming to a head.
Israel and its supporters have branded the university protests as antisemitic, while critics of Israel say it uses such allegations to silence opponents.
Although some protesters have been caught on camera making antisemitic remarks or violent threats, organizers of the protests, some of whom are Jewish, say it is a peaceful movement aimed at defending Palestinian rights and protesting the war.
