Mike Johnson to visit Columbia on Wednesday amid ‘troubling rise of antisemitism’ at colleges
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-LA, will visit Columbia University Wednesday amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the college as well as on campuses throughout the country.
Columbia University is the most visible of a wave student protests that has taken hold of several major universities. The majority of these are focused on supporting the Palestinian cause and criticizing Israel. Congressmen are concerned about antisemitism. Some have visited Columbia already to express their displeasure. Johnson is the latest high profile lawmaker to visit New York City and speak to Jewish students.
A notice from Johnson’s office stated that “on Wednesday, April 24 Speaker Johnson will be visiting with Jewish students at Columbia University”. After the meeting, Speaker Johnson will make remarks and answer questions about the disturbing rise of antisemitism in America’s colleges.
Johnson will be accompanied by other House Republicans, including Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.
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He said: “Tomorrow I will meet with Jewish students at Columbia University alongside @SpeakerJohnson in order to offer them our full support during #Passover, all the while antisemitic thugs are laying siege to their schools.” “@HouseGOP stands firmly against antisemitism.”
D’Esposito had been a member of a House Republican delegation which visited the campus soon after the protests started. The group demanded that Columbia’s President resign.
The university is also dealing with counterprotests against pro-Israel protests. Columbia University announced on Tuesday that the majority of classes will be hybridized for the remainder of the semester.
Safety is our top priority in our efforts to support the learning of our students and all academic operations required. The announcement stated that it was vital for teaching and learning to continue.
