Statement from Congressman Dan Goldman Following His Visit with Jewish Students Amidst Ongoing Antisemitism at Columbia University

New York, NY - Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today issued the following statement following his visit to Columbia University with Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06), and Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23).

“I was deflated and disheartened to learn of the fear, insecurity, and suffering that Jewish students at Columbia University are experiencing from hateful, antisemitic harassment and intimidation on campus.

“While everyone has a right to free speech, this is not a First Amendment issue. Under the law, academic institutions have a greater obligation to ensure the safety and security of all of its students. Columbia has a proud history of peaceful protests, but it is simply unacceptable for the administration to permit the type of hate speech and threats of violence that Jewish students told me they have been subjected to recently.

“I was encouraged by President Shafik’s statement this morning reiterating the school’s policies and code of conduct to make campus safe. But policies are only as effective as their enforcement, and Columbia must do much more to enforce its policies.

“As my family and Jews at Columbia and around the world prepare to observe Passover – a holiday that commemorates the perseverance and resilience of the Jewish people – I call on Columbia and academic institutions around the country to stand up to hate and harassment by ensuring the safety and security of all students, including, if necessary, with law enforcement assistance.”

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