Patriots owner Robert Kraft pulls funding from Columbia University as he is 'deeply saddened by virulent hate' at anti-Israel protests

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In light of the anti-Israel protests taking place on the campus of Columbia University, New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft announced his decision to pull his financial support to the institution on Monday, April 22, 2024.

According to the New York Post, the billionaire was a major donor to the university and funded the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life located across from Columbia’s campus.

The Kraft Group also pledged millions to support Columbia’s athletics program, which led to the naming of the Robert K Kraft Field at the Baker Field Athletics Complex.

Robert Kraft's statement on revoking his support

"It was through the full academic scholarship Columbia gave me that I was able to attend college and get my start in life and for that, I have been tremendously grateful," stated the billionaire, according to the outlet.

"However, the school I love so much – the one that welcomed me and provided me with so much opportunity – is no longer an institution I recognize,” he added.

“I am deeply saddened at the virulent hate that continues to grow on campus and throughout our country. I am no longer confident that Columbia can protect its students and staff and I am not comfortable supporting the university until corrective action is taken," Kraft continued.

“It is my hope that Columbia and its leadership will stand up to this hate by ending these protests immediately and will work to earn back the respect and trust of many of us who have lost faith in the institution," the billionaire further said.

"It is my hope that in this difficult time, the Kraft Center at Columbia will serve as a source of security and safety for all Jewish students and faculty on campus who want to gather peacefully to practice their religions, to be together, and to be welcomed," he added.

Kraft also joined Fox News host Sean Hannity for an interview on the subject, where he added, "When I went to Columbia, it was a place where people listened, were empathetic, had compassion. And now, you know, we have professors who instead of teaching how to think, they're trying to tell our young people what they should think. I think one of the biggest problems that we have to do something about is really the tenures in these Universities, where people can do things and don't have accountability."

Internet backs Robert Kraft for his stance

Netizens supported Robert Kraft's stance in the comment section of the New York Post article.

"Good for him. The only thing these institutions recognize is cash. It isn’t decency, or inclusion or morals, or common sense. It’s money and money only," wrote a reader.

"Wish all the mega-donors would do this!" exclaimed another.

"Everyone needs to pull their funding. Columbia either ends their support to the extremists or they are complicit and support the hatred. Defund Columbia," stated an individual.

"Best leverage used for centuries, cold hard cash!" another added.

"Should have done it sooner but better late than never," one person wrote.

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