Calls mounted for Columbia University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik to resign as anti-Israel protests escalated over the weekend and into Monday, culminating with protesters taking over Hamilton Hall on the university’s Morningside Campus.
Classes for the semester ended on Monday, and school officials set a 2 p.m. deadline for the Gaza Solidarity Encampment to be disbanded, assuring the public they were “negotiating” with the protesters who remained on campus.
Still, by Tuesday morning, protesters had gathered outside the hall — which was previously occupied in 1968 by Vietnam War protesters. Once a few had gotten into the building, others broke windows and barricaded the doors from the inside.
School administrators issued a warning on Tuesday, advising anyone who did not have to be on campus to avoid it.
“Early this morning, a group of protestors occupied Hamilton Hall on the Morningside campus. In light of the protest activity on campus, members of the University community who can avoid coming to the Morningside campus today (Tuesday, April 30) should do so; essential personnel should report to work according to university policy. Please check with your supervisor if you have any questions. Be aware that access to campus and other campus buildings may be restricted,” the statement read.
Critics argued that the ongoing situation was simply proof that Shafik had failed in her duties to maintain order on campus and to provide a safe learning environment for all students — and for that reason, she should step down.
“Antisemitic agitators have taken hammers to @Columbia and are now occupying a main building. These terror sympathizers will destroy @Columbia until leadership steps up. Shafik’s out of her depth — resign,” Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) said.
Antisemitic agitators have taken hammers to @Columbia and are now occupying a main building.
These terror sympathizers will destroy @Columbia until leadership steps up.
Shafik’s out of her depth — resign. pic.twitter.com/yGLeRJ21UO
— Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (@RepDesposito) April 30, 2024
“This is not a protest; this is terrorism. President Shafik must resign immediately,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) added.
This is not a protest; this is terrorism.
President Shafik must resign immediately. https://t.co/FcZ8up8Qtr— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) April 30, 2024
“This is what happens when you refuse to stand up to bullies and let mob rule take over. As I’ve said before, President Shafik needs to resign immediately!” Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) said.
This is what happens when you refuse to stand up to bullies and let mob rule take over. As I’ve said before, President Shafik needs to resign immediately! https://t.co/6Ex2nobSSX
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) April 30, 2024
“Fox News is reporting that @Columbia President Shafik has not addressed the pro-Hamas antisemitic violent mob that is occupying Hamilton Hall. It is time for Shafik to resign,” House Republicans posted on X.
Fox News is reporting that @Columbia President Shafik has not addressed the pro-Hamas antisemitic violent mob that is occupying Hamilton Hall.
It is time for Shafik to resign. pic.twitter.com/jlAtSsFrAN
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) April 30, 2024
Accuracy In Media President Adam Guillette added, “Absolute chaos at @Columbia. Terrorist-sympathizing students overtook an academic building on campus. Minouche Shafik has lost all control. She must resign now.”
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Absolute chaos at @Columbia.
Terrorist-sympathizing students overtook an academic building on campus.
Minouche Shafik has lost all control. She must resign now.https://t.co/617z7J5JIW
— Adam Guillette (@adamguillette) April 30, 2024