Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is under fire following allegations that he advised administrators at Columbia University to dismiss criticism concerning the school’s handling of violence and antisemitism after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
According to a 325-page report from the GOP-led House Education and Workforce Committee, Schumer reassured then-university president Minouche Shafik that the institution would face little scrutiny from Democrats. The report claims that his guidance led Columbia administrators to adopt a strategy of keeping a low profile, raising serious concerns about their commitment to addressing antisemitism on campus.
The backlash against Schumer has been severe, with prominent critics labeling him a “traitor” to both the Jewish community and American values. Former Brooklyn state Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who has transitioned from a Democrat to a Republican, publicly condemned Schumer for his perceived failure to protect Jewish interests.
The strong language used by Hikind underscores a broader discontent among those who feel Schumer has neglected his responsibilities in the face of rising antisemitism and violence against Jewish students.
Schumer Faces Backlash Over Allegations of Dismissing Antisemitism Concerns at Columbia University
In response to the accusations, Schumer’s office has vehemently denied the claims made in the report, insisting that the senator has consistently condemned antisemitic acts both publicly and privately. A spokesman emphasized that the report mischaracterizes Schumer’s words and actions, framing the criticism as hearsay. Schumer’s defenders argue that his previous statements clearly reflect a commitment to fighting antisemitism, countering the narrative presented by his detractors.
The report highlights troubling revelations regarding Columbia’s internal culture, indicating that university leaders dismissed oversight efforts related to campus violence. Following discussions with Schumer, Columbia officials felt emboldened to avoid interactions with Republican lawmakers.
Communications among trustees reveal a sense of relief at the prospect of continued Democratic control in Congress, suggesting that political considerations may have influenced the university’s response to incidents of antisemitism and violence.
As the new academic year began, Columbia continued to grapple with protests and incidents that underscored the ongoing tensions on campus. The committee’s findings suggest that several Ivy League institutions, including Columbia, made deliberate decisions to exclude strong condemnations of Hamas from official statements following the attacks, raising alarms about their support for Jewish students.
This environment of hostility and neglect has prompted calls for accountability from both university administrations and political leaders, as students and advocates demand a more robust response to antisemitism in higher education.
