Staff Reports
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) arrived at Columbia University to address the recent anti-Israel activities happening on campus. Amid protests from some students in support of Hamas, Johnson called for the resignation of Columbia University president Minouche Shafik, stating that she failed to address the chaos and antisemitism on campus. Johnson dismissed claims that the protests were simply expressing First Amendment rights, emphasizing the need to restore order and condemning the disruptive behavior.
During his speech, hecklers interrupted by chanting and yelling at Johnson. Despite the disruptions, Johnson criticized the university officials for allowing threats, fear, and intimidation to overshadow American principles such as free speech and the exchange of ideas. He stressed the unacceptability of the hatred and antisemitism flooding campuses and the country, calling for decisive action to stop it.
Administrators at Columbia have proven themselves to be incapable of achieving their basic responsibly – keeping students safe.
I join my colleagues in calling on President Shafik to resign.
Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are targeted on campus. pic.twitter.com/GARHwgKF0M
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) April 24, 2024
Videos of the protests captured demonstrators shouting pro-terror chants, some in Arabic, and calling for violence and the killing of Israeli soldiers. Johnson plans to speak with President Joe Biden to urge action against the anti-Israel hate at Columbia University, suggesting that the National Guard may need to be deployed to maintain order on campuses.
Representative Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), who joined Johnson, also criticized Shafik, expressing concerns about the current situation on campus. The congresswoman condemned the disturbances, stressing the responsibility of university administrators to ensure student safety.
In addition to Columbia University, other colleges such as the University of Southern California have experienced similar protests from students supporting Gaza, resulting in chaos and clashes with authorities. Johnson and his colleagues are calling for accountability and action to address the escalating anti-Israel sentiments on campuses across the United States.
