The White House has issued a strong condemnation of the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across American university campuses, particularly at Columbia University and Cornell University, as tensions flare over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a statement, the Biden administration expressed deep concern over reports of Jewish students facing harassment and intimidation, calling such behaviour "abhorrent" and contrary to American values.
University Campuses Become Flashpoints
Columbia University in New York has seen particularly heated demonstrations, with pro-Palestinian protesters clashing with those supporting Israel. The university administration has struggled to maintain order while upholding free speech rights.
Meanwhile, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, police have increased security after threatening messages targeting Jewish students appeared on an online forum. University president Martha Pollack called the posts "vile" and promised a full investigation.
Government Response
The White House press secretary emphasised that while peaceful protest is protected, threats and acts of violence cross the line. The administration has urged university leaders to take decisive action against antisemitism while protecting all students' rights.
This comes as the Department of Education has opened investigations into several universities over complaints of antisemitic and anti-Muslim harassment since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Broader Context
The campus tensions reflect wider societal divisions over the Middle East conflict, with reports of both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents rising sharply across the United States since the war began.
Jewish organisations have reported a nearly 400% increase in antisemitic incidents compared to the same period last year, while Muslim advocacy groups have documented similar spikes in anti-Muslim bias.
