Universities Failing to Protect Students and Faculty Amid Anti-Israel Protests

Former NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly discusses the ongoing anti-Israel protests at the Democratic National Convention and the New York Times' criticism of university administrators for failing to control them. The editorial board accuses universities of letting the protests get out of hand, resulting in harassment, endangerment, and a chilling effect on free speech.

The New York Times editorial board has issued a scathing criticism of American university administrators, accusing them of failing to control anti-Israel protests that have led to harassment, endangerment, and a chilling effect on free speech.

In an editorial titled "A Failure of Leadership at American Universities," the board argues that university leaders have failed to step in when the protests have become dangerous or threatened the academic freedom of students and faculty. As a result, the editorial states, Jewish students have been harassed, protesters have been endangered, and some views have been shouted down.

The editorial cites the lack of accountability and enforcement of student codes of conduct as a major factor contributing to the crisis. University administrators have failed to uphold these guidelines, which are intended to balance free speech with academic freedom and ensure compliance with the law.

As a result, the editorial argues, Jewish students have been left feeling threatened and harassed, while protesters have also been endangered by the chaos and violence that has escalated in recent weeks. The board notes that the involvement of police and external agitators has further exacerbated the situation.

The editorial also points to the cynical exploitation of the protests by politicians, who have used the opportunity to crusade against academic freedom. The board cites the recent legislative effort by Speaker Mike Johnson of the House of Representatives to crack down on elite universities and impose government restrictions on free speech.

At the same time, the editorial argues that the lack of leadership has led to certain views, particularly conservative ones, being silenced on campus by other faculty and students. This has had a chilling effect on scholarship and public discourse, the board states.

The editorial concludes by emphasizing the need for universities to protect free speech while also enforcing clear guardrails on conduct to restore order.

Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of free speech advocacy group FIRE, agrees with the editorial's assessment. He tells Fox News Digital that there has been "a genuine crisis for academic freedom and free speech on campus since at least 2017." He welcomes the realization by universities that they have failed to protect free speech but emphasizes that there is still much work to be done.

The New York Times' criticism comes amid ongoing anti-Israel protests at the Democratic National Convention. Former NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly, appearing on Fox News' "Cavuto Live," expressed concern that the protests will continue into the summer.

The editorial and Lukianoff's comments highlight the growing concern about the erosion of free speech and academic freedom on American university campuses. Universities must take steps to address this crisis and ensure that all students and faculty feel safe and free to express their views.