Columbia University Students React to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Campus Visit

Hecklers didn’t stop House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday from calling for the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik on campus.

Mr. Johnson’s press conference took place on the steps of the university’s library, where students chanted, “We can’t hear you,” “Free Palestine,” and “Mike, you suck.”

Mr. Johnson was flanked by fellow members of Congress, including Virginia Fox (R-N.C.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)

The press conference was just the latest public spectacle that has taken place on the prestigious college campus since the west lawn was invaded by pro-Palestine protestors seven days ago.

Belgium-Israeli Columbia College student Davy, 20, who only wished to be identified by first name, doesn’t believe the problem is the university’s president, Ms. Shafik.

“This is not the solution to force her to resign,” Davy told The Epoch Times. “It is a problem that has been embedded in the university for years, and now, with the war going on in Israel and Gaza, they have a new avenue to scream they hate Jews and hate Israel.”

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Instead, Davy, who is a sophomore studying political science and economics, wants Ms. Shafik to enforce existing rules.

Specifically, one of the university’s policies is to stop a protest if it infringes on academic and student life.

“We are one week away from finals, and this [press conference] is a bother for everyone wanting to study in the library or trying to go to class,” Davy said.

“They have to enforce that policy. It’s not okay for some kids to do a summer camp in the middle of campus.”

The university is making available safety escorts at anytime of day for students who feel threatened.

Other new security measures include adding 35 new security guards and an increase in the number of ID checks at campus entry points.

“Antisemitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken.”

Saar Noy, a French-Israeli student, has seen friends come home with bruises.

“They have been physically attacked because of their Jewish identity, which is unacceptable,” Ms. Noy told the Epoch Times.

“No one should be scared or fear for their lives because they believe or embrace a certain religion or because of their nationality.”

Ms. Noy, 21, is also concerned about her education.

She’s a third-year student at Columbia’s School of General Studies and is considering taking an incomplete.

“An incomplete would enable me to do the exams at a later date when this is resolved because so far it seems nothing is calming down,” she said.

“It’s difficult to focus or even sit in class or schedule a meeting with a professor because there is always something that is happening that is disruptive. I just want to study and receive the education I came here for.”

The encampment is located adjacent to high-rise silver bleachers, which were installed in preparation for the university’s graduation festivities, which are scheduled for May 15.

Before the occupiers willingly dismantle their tents, however, they demand the divestiture of the university’s finances from companies and institutions that profit from alleged Israeli “apartheid”; an end to the alleged “land grabs” in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City and in Palestine; an end to academic ties with Israeli universities; and that there be no policing on the Columbia University campus.

Xavier Clark, originally from North Carolina, is among the seniors who are scheduled to graduate next month, but he’s made peace with the encampment, possibly preventing a ceremony.

“Whether or not there’s in-person commencement, I will still be a graduate of Columbia University,” Mr. Clark told The Epoch Times. “Of course, you want to have that moment, but if it’s for equality, peace, love, and freedom, I am okay with not walking across the stage.”

Mr. Clark is disappointed in how Ms. Shafik handled the encampment, but he doesn’t want to see her resign. She was born Muslim in Egypt and has been Columbia University’s president since July 2023.

“She’s in a very sticky situation,” Mr. Clark added. “Knowing her background, I think she can resonate with the issues. So, it was a little bit disappointing on my end to see her not really be that much of an advocate for the protestors, but she’s a wonderful person, and she’s the president for a reason.”