House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has demanded that Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to step down. This call comes in the midst of an ongoing pro-Palestinian protest on the campus.
ALSO READ | Jewish Yale Student Stabbed in Eye with Palestinian Flag While Reporting on Anti-Israeli Protest
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) at Columbia University: “I'm here today joining my colleagues and calling on President [Minouche] Shafik to resign if she cannot immediately bring order to this chaos.” pic.twitter.com/90fUsRUGWF
— The Recount (@therecount) April 24, 2024
During an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, characterizing her as a leader who has demonstrated weakness and incompetence. He specifically pointed out her failure to ensure the safety of Jewish students on campus.
ALSO READ | NYPD Disperses Pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University
“This President Shafik has shown to be a very weak, inept leader. They cannot even guarantee the safety of Jewish students? They are expected to run for their lives and stay home from class? It’s maddening,” Johnson said.
Lawmakers have visited the location of the ongoing demonstrations where protesters established an encampment a week ago. The protesters are demanding that the university divest from Israel or any companies linked to its war efforts.
ALSO READ | Ilhan Omar’s Daughter Faces Homelessness and Hunger After Barnard College Suspension
Jewish students at the university have expressed concerns about their safety. House Speaker Mike Johnson is scheduled to visit the campus and share a meal with them. Additionally, Columbia University recently announced that classes for the remainder of the semester will follow a hybrid format.
“What we are seeing on these college campuses across the country is disgusting and unacceptable and every leader in this country, every political official, every citizen of good conscience has to speak out and say that, ‘This is not who we are in America,’” Johnson said.
He added there must be “accountability, and that is what my colleagues and I will be working on.”
Amidst growing pressure, additional Republican lawmakers from New York have joined the chorus calling for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik’s resignation. In response to these demands, a university spokesperson stated that Shafik is actively working to reduce tensions on campus. She is collaborating with faculty, administration, and community leaders while acknowledging their support.
ALSO READ | Columbia University Cancels In-Person Classes After Pro-Palestinian Protests
