'Now you're talking': Internet divided as Elise Stefanik calls for revocation of federal funds for Columbia University amid anti-Israel protests

WASHINGTON, DC: Elise Stefanik, the chair of the House Republican Conference, slammed the Columbia University administration on Tuesday, April 23, for violating civil rights when they handled unruly anti-Israel protests on campus, according to the New York Post.

Notably, Stefanik asked in a letter to senior Biden administration officials that the Ivy League school's government funding be terminated due to purported violations of the Civil Rights Act.

Stefanik demands Columbia University's federal funds be revoked amid anti-Israel protests

In a letter addressed to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, demanding immediate action, Stefanik wrote, "The ongoing situation that has unfolded is systemic of Columbia University leadership’s failures to address ongoing antisemitism, failure to enforce campus policies, and failure to fulfill her responsibilities under federal law."

She added, "Due to her lack of action, President [Minouche] Shafik has ceded control of campus and is failing to provide the equal protections guaranteed for students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. By knowingly allowing this to continue, Columbia University is complicit in this violation."

According to Stefanik, Columbia has 'allowed this to persist without consequence' and there is 'clear and convincing' proof that anti-Israel protestors have targeted Jewish students because of their religious views.

Notably, due to claims of antisemitism on campus, the Department of Education opened an inquiry into seven institutions in November 2023, including Columbia University.

Stefanik stated about the ongoing probe, urging Cardona to 'hold the university accountable', "It is past time for the Department of Education to publish the findings."

She further stated, "Furthermore, the Department must take action to revoke any federal funding flowing to Columbia and similar institutions so taxpayers are not funding the ongoing discrimination."

Moreover, amid a surge of antisemitism on college campuses this year, Stefanik, who has questioned several university presidents, demanded that Mayorkas cancel visas and deport students whose studies have been interrupted for antisemitic behavior.

Internet stays divided over Stefanik's demands 

People on the internet stayed divided with their opinions. They had mixed reactions as Stefanik slammed the Columbia University administration for violating civil rights when they handled unruly anti-Israel demonstrations on campus.

A user wrote on X, "You all trying to milk the situation," while one added, "If Hitler were alive, Stefanik would support him."

A person also wrote, "Take their accreditation and defund US dept of Education," whereas one mentioned, "Start with revoking the money going to the Ukraine oligarchs."

A person also stated, "Now your talking," while one added, "Columbia has been filling the minds of the future elite with communist, anti-white, anti-American hatred for decades now. But suddenly kids are coming out against the Jews and NOW the funding has to stop?"

A person also wrote, "Stefanik is a joke."

 

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.