Schumer Condemns Pro-Palestinian Protesters at Columbia University, Calls for Consequences

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has strongly condemned pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University who smashed windows and occupied a campus building, calling it "lawlessness" that should face consequences. The protesters barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall, unfurling Palestinian flags and banners, in an attempt to rename the building after a young girl killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“Smashing windows with hammers and taking over university buildings is not free speech. It is lawlessness and those who did it should promptly face the consequences," Schumer said,

“Those who commit such acts are doing nothing to convince others that their cause is just.”

Columbia University said the students occupying the building face expulsion and suspension for their actions. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also condemned the protesters, saying forcibly taking over a building is "absolutely the wrong approach" and not an example of peaceful protest.

Members of Congress from both parties have criticized the protesters, with House Republicans announcing an expanded probe into antisemitism on college campuses and calling on President Biden to visit Columbia University to address the issue. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also criticized the "hateful chants" and "radical anti-Semitism" exhibited by the protesters, urging Columbia's leaders to respond swiftly and severely to attempts to occupy campus buildings.

Why this matters: The protests at Columbia University reflect growing tensions and divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses across the United States. The strong condemnation from political leaders on both sides of the aisle highlights the seriousness of the situation and the potential for further escalation if not addressed properly.

Schumer warned that campuses cannot be places of learning and discussion when protests turn criminal, saying it is unacceptable when Jewish students are targeted. "Campuses cannot be places of learning and discussion when protests turn criminal, and it is unacceptable when Jewish students are targeted," Schumer said. The university has struggled to balance freedom of expression and preventing hate speech during the protests.

The occupation of Hamilton Hall follows previous student protests against Israel's actions in Gaza, which have been met with counter-protests accusing the pro-Palestinian side of antisemitism. Similar protests have occurred at several other universities across the country, including California State Polytechnic University and Portland State University, where protesters also occupied buildings.

In response to the Columbia University incident, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the university condemned the occupation, with the university threatening academic expulsion for the students involved. Police cleared the pro-Palestinian protesters from the campus on Tuesday night after the school requested assistance to maintain order, arresting dozens of mostly student protesters.

Key Takeaways

• Pro-Palestinian protesters occupied a building at Columbia University, facing expulsion.
• Schumer, White House, and Congress condemned the protesters' "lawlessness" and "anti-Semitism".
• Protests reflect growing tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses.
• Columbia struggled to balance free speech and preventing hate during the protests.
• Police cleared the protesters from the campus after the school requested assistance.