House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) recently visited Columbia University to meet with Jewish leaders as pro-Palestine protestors stir chaos on campus.
During his visit, the House speaker said that if universities like Columbia can’t control violence on campus, then the federal government should not fund them.
“Today, I’m here to proclaim to all those who gnash their teeth, and demand to wipe the state of Israel off the map, and attack our innocent Jewish students, this simple truth: Neither Israel nor these Jewish students on this campus will ever stand alone,” Johnson said, addressing the crowd.
“As Speaker of the House, I am committing today that the Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes hiding in fear,” he added as chants of “free Palestine” ensued.
“Antisemitism has been growing in America and it’s clear why. Powerful people have refused to condemn it, and some have even peddled it themselves,” he continued.
While responding to the anti-Israel chants, Johnson said, “Enjoy your free speech.”
Speaker Johnson: "Today I'm here to proclaim to all those who gnash their teeth, and demand to wipe the State of Israel off the map, and attack our innocent Jewish students this simple truth: Neither Israel nor these Jewish students on this campus will ever stand alone." pic.twitter.com/d5DTbKNPKH
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 24, 2024
During his speech, the House speaker signaled his intention to call President Joe Biden after his visit to demand the president act against campus antisemitism. Johnson pointed out that the House has investigated multiple universities that have refused to tackle the issue.
“The House has been investigating a number of these campuses,” he said. “There is a nexus to federal funding if these campuses cannot get control of this problem, they do not deserve taxpayer dollars.”
Speaker Johnson: "The House has been investigating a number of these campuses. There is a nexus to federal funding. If these campuses cannot get control of this problem, they do not deserve taxpayer dollars." pic.twitter.com/ETpbaX9QZW
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 24, 2024
The Post Millennial noted that Johnson’s visit to Columbia University comes as campus antisemitism surges across educational institutions in the U.S., with pro-Palestine protestors oftentimes resorting to violence.
Columbia University was recently mandated to temporarily cancel all in-person classes and switch to virtual learning as pro-Palestine protests continued without restrictions.
Anti-Israel protestors recently established a so-called “Liberated Zone” on campus to denounce the Holy Land’s actions in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, a terrorist organization. The activists said the zone served as a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” and would remain on the school’s main lawn until officials agreed to divest finances from companies that work with Israel.
