Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) released a statement on Monday expressing strong disapproval of Columbia University for calling off its primary graduation event.
“President Shafik and Columbia University administrators have displayed a shocking unwillingness to control their campus. They’ve allowed outside agitators and terrorist-sympathizing students and faculty to rewrite campus rules and spew vile, anti-Jewish aggression. Now, thousands of students who’ve worked hard to achieve their degrees will not get the recognition they deserve,” Johnson said.
“Because it is abundantly clear that President Shafik would rather cede control to Hamas supporters than restore order, Columbia’s Board of Trustees should immediately remove her and appoint a new president who will. Our once great universities desperately need strong moral leadership, now more than ever,” he added.
Columbia announced on Monday that it will only hold graduation ceremonies at the school level, rather than conducting the main, university-wide event.
“These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for our community. Just as we are focused on making our graduation experience truly special, we continue to solicit student feedback and are looking at the possibility of a festive event on May 15 to take the place of the large, formal ceremony,” the school said.
A university official stated that the primary reason for the cancellation is “security concerns” but did not specify a specific threat.
The campus has been disturbed by pro-Palestinian protests and a large number of arrests due to the encampment and activists taking control of a university building.
