Internet slams White House for dodging questions on universities' response to anti-Israel campus protests

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre avoided multiple questions regarding the responses of many universities across the United States about the erupting anti-Israel protests on the campuses.

Students from colleges, including Ivy League schools like Columbia, Yale, Harvard, and Penn, have been protesting for days demanding campuses to divest from Israel as the death toll in Gaza crosses 34,000.

The student protest, originating at Columbia University in New York, quickly gained momentum across the nation in solidarity with the Palestinians.

White House refuses explanation

During a press briefing on Monday, April 28, one reporter asked the press secretary whether President Joe Biden or any other White House official had contacted Columbia University's authorities and whether the president was happy with the way the administration addressed the situation, according to Fox News.

"The president has always been clear that while Americans have the right to peacefully protest…he stands squarely, squarely against any rhetoric, violent rhetoric, any hate, hate threats and physical intimidation and hate speech," Jean-Pierre said.

Emphasizing that antisemitism has no place anywhere, including college campuses, she stated that the White House acknowledged the situation as a "painful moment."

"It is a painful moment that Americans are dealing with, and free expression has to be done within the law. And, you know, we're going to continue to be very clear about that," the press secretary added.

However, her response did not mention whether Biden was satisfied with how the university administration managed the situation.

Jean-Pierre also evaded two other related questions. One query concerned the White House's stance on the protesting students facing potential disciplinary actions, such as probation.

"These are institutions. Some of them are private, some of them are public, and it is up to their leadership, university leadership and colleges, to make that decision," she responded, failing to directly address the question.

A second question inquired about the White House's stance on whether students should leave a protest before a deadline set by Columbia University personnel.

"I'm just not going to comment on leadership at colleges and universities…. that's for them to decide," Jean-Pierre responded. "We've been very clear."

The press secretary similarly responded to other questions.

These inquiries pertained to the White House's safety concerns at graduations, Biden's reaction to the deployment of police forces on certain campuses, the current administration's perspective on the protest's impact, such as the cancellation of graduation ceremonies at Southern California University and the postponement of exams at George Washington University, and whether the White House supported the implementation of antisemitism monitors at colleges.

Jean-Pierre sidestepped most questions by reiterating Biden's condemnation of antisemitism while expressing support for peaceful protests.

Netizens criticize WH and Jean-Pierre's responses to anti-Israel protests

Netizens trolled the White House and Jean-Pierre's non-explanations regarding the increasing anti-Israel protests on US campuses.

One user wrote, "Didn’t make it to the binder." Another remarked, "KJP would be outstanding at dodgeball. She missed her calling."

"Politicians dodging questions will be an official sport at the next Olympic Games," a user added.

Another response read, "What happened, a page missing out of your press book?"

A user said, "They dodge all questions of substance. They always have 'no new information.' It's difficult to constantly make up new disinformation that sounds real."

"She isn't even going to circle back White House dodges questions on college administrators' response to anti-Israel protests on campuses," someone else said.

An individual added, "That’s all she does is dodge questions."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.