Jewish campus groups to protest tomorrow to denounce Columbia University administration ignoring rampant campus anti-Semitism

Today, Columbia University chapters of Students Supporting Israel, Alumni for Campus Fairness, and other New York community members announced their intentions to protest in response to the Columbia University administration inaction against rampant anti-Semitism on campus. The students are receiving legal counsel and support from The Lawfare Project. The protest will be held outside Columbia University’s main gates at 115th Street and Broadway, on Thursday, October 4th from 4:30–6pm.

"As a leading academic institution, the Columbia administration’s apathy and disregard for our freedom of speech and security is completely unacceptable. It is time to show the University that we will not stand by when our peers are constantly harassed. We’ve had enough,” said Dalia Zahger, President of the Columbia chapter of Students Supporting Israel.

Last semester, The Lawfare Project helped Student Supporting Israel file a detailed complaint documenting the pervasively hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students at Columbia by anti-Zionist groups and individuals on campus. The complaint specifically outlined numerous incidents that violate the student code of conduct, none of which have been addressed by administrators.

"These students come to this campus to learn but face horrifying hatred and bigotry simply because they are Jews who believe in Jewish self-determination. We commend the bravery of these students for standing up for themselves just as we condemn the cowardice of the Columbia administration for failing to address anti-Semitism on campus," said Brooke Goldstein, Executive Director of The Lawfare Project.

In the many months since the complaint was filed, Columbia University has taken no action against these groups or individuals or to protect the students seeking help. Students have met with several administrators including Executive Vice President of the Office of University Life, Suzanne Goldberg, who told a student that she could not act unless there was an act of physical violence.