House Speaker, members of Congress call for Columbia University President’s resignation over safety concerns amid pro-Hamas rallies

Elected officials condemn hate as protests spread to Texas and California Universities

In a resolute stance against perceived failures in ensuring student safety, Congressman Mike Johnson has joined fellow lawmakers in urging Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger and Provost John H. Coatsworth to step down. The demand for their resignation comes amidst escalating pro-Hamas demonstrations across the nation, raising concerns about the university’s handling of events that may jeopardize campus safety.

“Administrators at Columbia have proven themselves to be incapable of achieving their basic responsibility – keeping students safe,” remarked Congressman Johnson in a statement released earlier today. “I join my colleagues in calling on President Bollinger and Provost Coatsworth to resign. Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are targeted on campus.”

A call for leadership change

The call for leadership change at Columbia University underscores growing apprehensions regarding the institution’s approach to maintaining a secure environment amidst heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Pro-Hamas rallies, characterized by displays of support for the militant group governing the Gaza Strip, have sparked debates about free speech, academic responsibility, and the protection of vulnerable student communities.

Congressman Johnson’s sentiments align with bipartisan concerns expressed by several members of Congress, who have raised alarms about the potential risks posed by allowing activities that may endorse or sympathize with terrorist organizations like Hamas. The demand for resignations reflects a broader push for accountability and proactive measures to safeguard students and uphold academic integrity.

The administrators at Columbia University have yet to respond publicly to the calls for resignation. However, pressure continues to mount as stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and lawmakers, demand decisive action in addressing safety concerns and preserving a conducive learning environment.

‘Evil will not win’

As the debate unfolds, the role of universities in navigating complex geopolitical issues while ensuring student welfare remains a focal point of discussion. The involvement of Congress and prominent figures like Congressman Johnson underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges and upholding principles of safety and academic freedom on college campuses nationwide.

“Face-to-face with terrorist sympathizers, we let them know we’re not backing down. Evil will not win,” wrote Rep. Anthony D’Esposito of NY who also spoke at the rally. Other elected officials who joined in condemning the hate speech at Columbia include Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Rep. Mike Lawler and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.

Today protests spread across the nation to the University of Austin in Texas, and in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California. Texas Governor Greg Abbott quickly condemned the protests, confirming arrests are being made. Abbott updated his X account writing “Arrests being made right now & will continue until the crowd disperses. These protesters belong in jail. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period. Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.”