Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik from the Education and the Workforce Committee expressed her concern over the issue of antisemitism at Columbia University. Stefanik criticized the university's leadership for their inconsistent testimony and failure to address the problem adequately.

During a recent hearing, Stefanik pointed out the shortcomings of the university's response to antisemitism, stating, “Today's hearing of Columbia University president and board members epitomizes the failed leadership on 'elite' college campuses to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish students."

Stefanik highlighted the lack of action taken against antisemitic students and faculty members, as well as the university president's equivocation on the issue. She also called out the university for downplaying the severity of antisemitic incidents on campus, noting, "astonishingly stating that there has been no 'anti-Jewish' protests on campus only to then acknowledge that 'F-- the Jews' & 'Death to the Jews' is in-fact anti-Jewish when she was further pressed."

Moreover, Stefanik criticized the arrogance displayed by the witnesses during the hearing, noting that they believed their testimony was going well. She warned that Columbia University is facing a "reckoning of accountability" for its failure to address antisemitism effectively.

Stefanik emphasized the need for decisive action, stating, "If it takes a member of Congress to force a university president to fire a pro-terrorist, antisemitic faculty chair, then Columbia University leadership is failing Jewish students and its academic mission."

The congresswoman concluded by highlighting the importance of taking concrete steps to combat antisemitism, rather than relying on "overlawyered, overprepped, and over-consulted testimony" to mask inaction.

For more information, the full statement can be accessed at the following link: [Stefanik Statement on Columbia University's Failure to Combat Antisemitism](https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/4/stefanik-statement-on-columbia-university-s-failure-to-combat-antisemitism-following-the-inconsistent-and-unacceptable-testimony-from-their-campus-leadership)