Representative Jamaal Bowman, a Democrat from New York, has accused Columbia University of carrying out “political reprisals” following the suspension of Isra Hirsi, the daughter of fellow “Squad” member Representative Ilhan Omar from Minnesota.
Hirsi and two others were suspended by Barnard College, a constituent part of Columbia University, after Columbia President Nemat Shafik directed the police to remove anti-Israel protesters from the campus’ South Lawn.
Bowman alleges that Hirsi’s suspension was a direct consequence of her mother’s questioning of Shafik’s commitment to academic freedom during a congressional hearing the day before.
Jamaal Bowman (Credits: The Hill)
He took to social media to express his concerns, stating, “The day after @IlhanMN questioned Columbia leadership’s commitment to free academic expression, the school suspended her daughter? It’s clear what is happening here. Our educational institutions should not be in the business of political reprisals.”
Omar, a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, had summoned Shafik for Wednesday’s hearing to address concerns about the university’s handling of antisemitism and the protection of Jewish students. Instead of focusing solely on those issues, Omar accused Shafik of suppressing the free expression of “anti-war protesters.”
According to reports from The New York Post, the “anti-war protesters” present at the demonstration were heard chanting slogans in support of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks on Israel resulting in civilian casualties.
Ilhan Omar’s daughter (Credits: VICE)
Barnard College stated that Hirsi was disciplined for disregarding official requests to leave the “unauthorized encampment” on Columbia’s campus. Additionally, Barnard senior staff approached the encampment to inform participating students that they would face consequences if they did not comply with the requests to vacate the area.
In response to the allegations, Columbia University and Barnard College have yet to provide further comments. However, the incident has sparked debate over the boundaries of academic freedom and the handling of political activism on university campuses.
