Faculty at Columbia University Demand Stronger Policies Against Antisemitism
What it’s about
With the new academic year starting, Columbia University faculty members have petitioned for stricter measures against antisemitic activities. The petition has garnered numerous signatures, urging Columbia’s leadership to follow the lead of other institutions in setting clear student conduct guidelines.
Why it matters
The demands for stronger policies against antisemitism come in response to persistent pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel activism and related antisemitic incidents on campus. Such actions have led to marginalization, harassment, and threats against Jewish and Israeli students, disrupting academic activities.
Details
The petition, addressing top university administrators including Columbia’s interim President Katrina Armstrong, argues that the university’s Regulations for Student Conduct were overlooked last year. Amid this turmoil, Columbia saw frequent protests, antisemitic rhetoric, and even a violent takeover of Hamilton Hall.
On two occasions, the New York Police Department (NYPD) intervened to manage illegal student activities. The faculty-driven petition demands accountability from the university and calls for clearer guidelines on permissible student conduct, modeled after similar statements from NYU and the University of California.
The Antisemitism Task Force Report
Columbia released a comprehensive 90-page report from its Antisemitism Task Force, reflecting numerous interviews with Jewish and Israeli students. The report sheds light on alarming instances of harassment, verbal abuse, and even physical violence. The recommendations in this report align closely with those in the faculty petition.
The task force document emphasizes that the university community has failed to uphold civility, respect, and fairness promises to its students. Interim President Armstrong condemned the unacceptable rise in antisemitic incidents, affirming that such acts go against Columbia’s core values.
Expert Opinions and Reactions
Elisha Baker, a rising junior at Columbia, expressed serious concerns following the release of the task force’s report, which he described as disturbing. Faculty members and administrators aligned closely with the petition’s concerns, highlighting a lack of resilience against last year’s ideological hostilities.
Ran Kivetz, a Columbia Business School professor, noted the extremity of rhetoric on campus, warning about an environment bordering on domestic terrorism. Brian Cohen, head of the Kraft Center for Jewish Life, acknowledged the daily reality of intimidation faced by Jewish students at Columbia.
Security Measures and Preparations
New York State’s efforts to address campus safety were evident in a recent state-coordinated “super-Zoom” meeting involving college presidents and Homeland Security. Governor Kathy Hochul underscored the urgency of creating a hate-free, secure atmosphere in educational institutions statewide.
Mitch Silber, director of the Community Security Initiative, mentioned proactive measures underway, including assigning a former NYPD detective for better campus security. He warned colleges to brace for student-led radical actions, emphasizing preparedness for potential takeovers of Jewish centers on campus.
Academic Community’s Response
Across from Columbia at NYU, newly defined student conduct guidelines now penalize antisemitic speech, fostering fairer and safer educational environments. History remembers past contentious protests, but faculty members like adjunct assistant professor Susan “Sam” Marchiano look to institutional action as a hopeful trend.
Outlook
While concerns loom, individuals like Kivetz remain hopeful that protective measures and advocated changes will restore decency to Columbia. The unyielding desire of faculty and students to return to unimpeded academic endeavors appears pivotal for the university’s future. The pressing question now is whether administrators will stand firm to return Columbia to its core educational values.
Final Thought
Despite fears of radicalized violence and rising tensions, stakeholders committed to combating antisemitism find a cautious optimism in ongoing efforts and institutional reforms. The upcoming academic year holds both challenges and the potential for significant positive change.
This story was first published on jpost.com.