Columbia was the first university the Trump regime went after in its campaign to crush opposition to Israel and reshape education along fascist lines, and it froze $400 million in research grants destined for Columbia.
Columbia’s administration has reacted by trying to appease and come to an agreement with the Trump fascists by implementing the draconian repression they’ve called for, among other things.1
Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, made a point of coming to Butler Library to lead the repressive charge, and of slandering the courageous and nonviolent actions of the protesters—making sure to repeat the big lie equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism (hatred of Jewish people).
“Columbia strongly condemns violence on our campus, antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination, some of which we witnessed today.”
What’s never mentioned in such denunciations by U.S. officials or craven college administrators: the “form of hate and violence” concentrated in Israel’s U.S.-backed genocide in Gaza.
Shipman even had the nerve to blame student protesters for endangering international students: “I am deeply disturbed at the idea that, at a moment when our international community feels particularly vulnerable, a small group of students would choose to make our institution a target.” This after Columbia refused pleas from Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi—both international Columbia students—that the University protect them from ICE.
She reserved her praise for the “steady stream of hardworking, appreciative students” who didn’t protest and just used the libraries for studying for finals.
The next day, the Trump regime’s Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism issued a statement commending Shipman, saying it was “encouraged” by her “strong and resolute” statement denouncing the protesters.