Today, the Columbia Spectator, the campus newspaper of Columbia University, is reporting that the university has suspended over 65 students and barred 33 others from campus after the pro-Palestinian occupation of Butler Library on May 7. Police moved in to remove the protesters. Interim President Claire Shipman, who called in the NYPD, issued a lengthy statement on video in which she expressed her anger at seeing injured police officers, whom she praised for their professionalism in removing the protesters.
This is a positive development given the fact that since the horrendous Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Columbia has arguably been the scene of the worst disorders in support of Hamas.
This is a great opportunity for Columbia to clean up its mess and reclaim its reputation as one of our premier universities, which it once was. Does this latest action go far enough? No. What Columbia must do is what every other university must do: They must remove the troublemakers from campus once and for all. Masked protesters taking over a library is not free speech. Injuring police is not free speech. Breaking things and causing property damage is not free speech.
Speaking in general terms on the nationwide problem, these offenders must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and if felony charges are appropriate, bring felony charges. Suspensions should become expulsions and referrals for criminal prosecution.
Equally as important, it is time for all universities to shut down their Students for Justice in Palestine chapters permanently. This organization and its leaders should be under investigation by the Justice Department.
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