Following a controversial congressional hearing that led to the resignations of two Ivy League presidents, Columbia University's president is scheduled to appear before the same committee to address concerns regarding antisemitism and the handling of conflicts related to the Israel-Hamas war on campus.
In December, Columbia's president, Nemat Shafik, was initially invited to testify but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts. The hearing instead featured presidents from Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whose responses sparked backlash and subsequent resignations.
During the December hearing, university leaders were questioned about their stance on issues such as calling for the genocide of Jews. Responses from some presidents were criticized for being vague and led to further controversy.
Shafik is set to testify alongside Columbia University board members, with the university facing accusations of hate and bias similar to other institutions. In a recent op-ed, Shafik highlighted the importance of balancing free speech with creating a safe campus environment.
Since the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, tensions have escalated on university campuses, with Jewish students reporting instances of antisemitism and Palestinian rights supporters feeling targeted and censored by administrations.
Columbia, like many other institutions, is under investigation for antisemitism and Islamophobia, facing lawsuits from various groups. The university has been sued over allegations of singling out pro-Palestinian student organizations and violating the civil rights of Jewish students on campus.
