2024-09-23 05:48:27
Columbia University President Katrina Armstrong has apologised to pro-Palestinian students arrested during anti-Israel protests in April, sparking outrage from the university’s Jewish community. The protests led to widespread unrest on campus, with police intervening and arresting more than 200 protesters.
In her first interview with the university newspaper, Armstrong expressed regret for the harm done to pro-Palestinian students during the police raid, stressing that she had seen the pain and was committed to working with all communities to resolve the conflict. She also pledged to maintain freedom of speech and the orderly conduct of academic activities on campus.
Her apology sparked a backlash from Jewish students and faculty, who accused the university of failing to protect them from anti-Semitic attacks. Lecturer Yoel Brooks said Armstrong should apologize to Jewish students who have suffered from anti-Semitism. Professor Asaf Zeevi called the apology “unnecessary and disappointing,” saying it encouraged further wrongdoing by protesters and showed a leadership crisis at the university.
Columbia University responded that Armstrong was committed to hearing from all students and ensuring their safety and respect on campus, but the president’s words continued to stir controversy over the school’s stance on religious and ethnic conflict.