Congresswoman Applauds University President’s Resignation

Rep. Elise Stefanik welcomed the resignation of Columbia University President Lee Bollinger as a step forward in the fight against liberal bias.

At a Glance

Rep. Elise Stefanik criticized Columbia University for failing to protect Jewish students and demanded President Bollinger’s resignation.
Bollinger’s resignation is seen as a victory against perceived liberal bias in higher education.
The controversy involved antisemitic incidents and campus safety concerns.
A letter led by Stefanik, signed by multiple representatives, called for Bollinger’s resignation.

Stefanik Celebrates Bollinger’s Resignation

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Rep. Elise Stefanik issued a statement celebrating the resignation of Columbia University President Lee Bollinger. Stefanik has been a vocal critic of the liberal bias she perceives within higher education, particularly at Columbia. Her demand for Bollinger’s resignation cited the university’s failure to enforce campus rules and protect its Jewish students from antisemitic harassment.

Stefanik’s original statement read, “‘President Shafik must immediately resign. And the Columbia Board must appoint a President who will protect Jewish students and enforce school policies.’”

Stefanik’s efforts to bring attention to antisemitism on college campuses have been persistent. She has led a delegation of New York representatives, including Reps. Tenney, Lawler, and others, in issuing a letter calling for Bollinger’s resignation due to his administration’s inadequate response to antisemitic incidents. The letter emphasized the failure of the university to address calls for violence against Jewish students, a concern underscored by multiple representatives.

https://twitter.com/EliseStefanik/status/1823871454531756183

Following the resignation, Stefanik stated, ‘“After failing to protect Jewish students and negotiating with pro-Hamas terrorists, this forced resignation is long overdue. We will continue to demand moral clarity, condemnation of antisemitism, protection of Jewish students and faculty, and stronger leadership from American higher education institutions.’”

Concerns Highlighted by Stefanik and Supporters

The letter was signed by several fellow representatives, including Reps. Langworthy, D’Esposito, and Williams, and criticized President Bollinger’s handling of campus safety. This move was supported by former state Assemblyman Dov Hikind, showcasing bipartisan concern over the university’s leadership. The controversy gained further traction after Columbia Rabbi Elie Buechler warned Jewish students about increasing antisemitism on campus and urged them to leave for their safety.

This concern was magnified during anti-Israel protests on Columbia’s campus, which resulted in over 280 arrests by NYPD. NYC Mayor Eric Adams attributed the chaos to insurgent groups with a history of escalating such situations. The protests, alongside the perceived inaction from the administration, escalated calls for resignations and highlighted the university’s controversial handling of antisemitism.

NEW: House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik reacts to the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, saying in a statement: “THREE DOWN, so many to go.”

The trio of university presidents whom Stefanik grilled at an anti-Semitism hearing have now all stepped…

— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) August 15, 2024

Broader Implications for Higher Education

Columbia University was not alone in facing scrutiny. Presidents from Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania were summoned to testify at an antisemitism hearing, which led to significant backlash and the resignation of the University of Pennsylvania president. The GOP-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce announced further investigations into the handling of antisemitism on various college campuses.

Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her distress over the university leaders’ comments, reaffirming that antisemitic language violates federal civil rights law and Title VI. The education committee’s probe into antisemitism in higher education reflects a growing demand for universities to ensure the safety of all students and to foster an environment of ideological diversity and freedom of speech.