Protesting slaughter – like students in the US are doing – isn’t antisemitism | Robert Reich
GuardianApr 23
Columbia University Pres. Criticized Over Gaza Protests
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The Facts
Columbia University's campus oversight panel has criticized Pres. Nemat Minouche Shafik for summoning the police to tackle students protesting the Israel-Gaza war.
On April 17, pro-Palestinian students reportedly set up 50 "Gaza Solidarity" tents that the police dismantled the next day, arresting over 100 protesters.
The Spin
Left narrative
Encouraging dissent in universities fosters real learning by challenging ideas. Recent events at Columbia University, threatening protesters, highlight the need for open debate. Universities should protect free expression, embrace diverse views, and prioritize education over silencing dissent.
Right narrative
Calls for Shafik's swift removal stem from her failure to address campus antisemitism. Criticisms include inadequate campus management, lack of Jewish student safety assurance, and failure to combat antisemitism, showcasing leadership deficiencies and accountability lapses.
Nerd narrative
There's a 39% chance the US will score in the bottom 50% for academic freedom in 2025 (as per the Academic Freedom Index), according to the Metaculus prediction community.