Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has urged Columbia University's Board of Trustees to take action against antisemitism on their campus or face the risk of losing federal funding. In a letter addressed to the board members, Senator Scott expressed deep concern over the ongoing antisemitic attacks targeting Jewish students at the university.

"The anti-Israel mobs that have taken over Columbia University in New York City are as disturbing as they are un-American," Senator Scott wrote in his letter. He highlighted the fear and insecurity felt by Jewish students due to persistent threats of violence, including a recent incident where a student was assaulted by a pro-Hamas demonstrator.

Senator Scott emphasized the need for immediate action to protect Jewish students and hold accountable those who threaten them while advocating for violence against Israel and the Jewish people. He stressed, "In the United States, we value free speech as a cornerstone of our democracy, but there can never be tolerance for violent hate on the basis of religion."

The Senator made it clear that if Columbia University fails to address the issue, Congress will intervene. He underscored his commitment to passing legislation, such as the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act, which aims to withdraw federal education funding from institutions that promote antisemitism.

Senator Rick Scott concluded his letter by urging the Board of Trustees to take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all students on campus. He warned that failing to address the issue would be seen as an endorsement of the hateful and violent agenda propagated by the antisemitic groups at the university.

Senator Scott's call to action comes in the wake of rising antisemitic sentiment and actions on college campuses across the nation, particularly following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. The Senator, along with Senators Bob Casey and Tim Scott, has introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act to combat antisemitism in educational institutions.

As the debate continues on how best to tackle antisemitism on college campuses, Senator Rick Scott's firm stance sends a clear message that hate and violence have no place in academic environments.