Columbia University Donors Urged to Defund Over Anti-Israel Protests

Republican lawmakers demand Columbia University's top donors withdraw support amid backlash over anti-Israel protests on campus, which have escalated into antisemitic territory.

House Republican lawmakers have issued an urgent call to action, urging major Columbia University donors to withdraw their support in response to ongoing anti-Israel protests on campus. Led by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), the lawmakers have penned an open letter to Columbia's vast and influential donor network, expressing outrage over the antisemitic incidents that have marred the university's reputation.

The protests have drawn bipartisan backlash, as they have been tainted by allegations of antisemitism. Social media videos from the protest encampment on Columbia's campus have captured activists cheering for the deaths of Israeli soldiers and expressing support for Hamas. Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe and have shared disturbing accounts of verbal and physical assault.

In their open letter, the House GOP lawmakers demand that Columbia University take decisive action, including the resignation of President Minouche Shafik, to address the antisemitic rhetoric and incidents on campus. They urge donors to emulate Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, who recently suspended his support in response to the protests.

"We encourage all supporters of the university to do the same and call for the resignation of President [Minouche] Shafik," the lawmakers write. "The university should also provide a thorough review of all school funding and investigate the outside forces influencing students and agitators to participate in these disruptive and violent incidents that target and intimidate Jewish students on campus."

The lawmakers also demand a transparent and thorough audit of university funding related to the anti-Israel movement and outside groups that may be influencing student involvement in the protests.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has echoed the lawmakers' call for President Shafik's resignation, denouncing the protests during a recent visit to Columbia with House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and three New York Republicans.

"I'm here today joining my colleagues in calling on President Shafik to resign if she can not immediately bring order to this chaos," Johnson said. "As Speaker of the House, I have committed today that the Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes hiding in fear."

Columbia University has been given an ultimatum by protesters to meet their demands by Friday. If the university fails to comply, protesters have threatened to escalate their actions. However, university officials have warned that they will pursue "alternative options" to clear the protest site if necessary.

The House Republicans' open letter and Speaker Johnson's visit to Columbia represent a growing chorus of condemnation against the antisemitic incidents and the failure of university leadership to effectively address the situation. The lawmakers' demand for major donors to withdraw support is a significant step that could put further pressure on Columbia University to take decisive action.