Owens Demands Answers from Columbia University

WASHINGTON — Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Chair Burgess Owens (UT-04) joined House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and House Education and the Workforce Chair Virginia Foxx (NC-05) in a letter to Columbia Interim President Katrina Armstrong. In the letter, the lawmakers demand answers regarding ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic harassment and intimidation at the university, its associated medical school, and its centers.

“A report from the Columbia University Antisemitism Task Force highlighted how the hostility on Columbia University campuses had spilled over into the medical center and medical services as well,” the lawmakers wrote. “For example, an Israeli student reported that when she went to health services in July 2024, no one came into the room to see her, and she overheard a discussion between two health care professionals in another room in which one said they would not treat her because she was Israeli. She sat in the room for another ten minutes until someone finally came to address her health needs.” 

“Failing to comply with basic safety protections for members of the Columbia University community and to respond appropriately to and prevent harassment and discrimination, no matter the cause, may be grounds to withhold federal funds from the university and its associated medical centers,” the lawmakers continued. “Congress has an obligation to ensure compliance with Title VI. If Congress determines an institution of higher education is in violation, it may consider rescinding research and development funds previously appropriated. Similarly, if Congress determines a medical facility is in violation, it may consider rescinding the right to participate in federal health care programs.” 

The full letter is available here. 

Background:

• Beginning on April 17, 2024, an encampment sprung up on Columbia University’s campus with hundreds of protestors and tents. 
• Also on April 17, 2024, Rep. Owens pressed then-President of Columbia Minouche Shafik on the university’s response to antisemitic incidents on campus in a hearing in front of the Education and the Workforce Committee.
• In the days and weeks that followed the hearing, banners and signs vandalized the campus—including residence halls—with antisemitic sentiments and even support for the terrorist organization Hamas;
• Chants and statements by those within the encampment also supported messages of violence and hate towards Jewish students, with a leader of the encampment filmed stating that, “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”; 
• Professors at Columbia University have also openly made antisemitic and pro-Hamas statements—including more than 100 professors signing a letter in support of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas—adding to the harassment of Jewish students.
• On August 14, 2024, Minouche Shafik resigned as President of Columbia University.

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