Duval Times

Since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack against Israel, incidents of antisemitism and pro-Hamas demonstrations have increased on college campuses across the United States. The latest significant event occurred at Columbia University, where a pro-Hamas encampment was established. The university administration declined external police assistance, leading to an escalation that resulted in protesters storming an academic building. Consequently, in-person classes and the undergraduate commencement ceremony were canceled.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has addressed a letter to Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, urging her to refund students for the disruption in educational services caused by the university's failure to maintain campus safety.

“It is no secret that a Columbia education is costly. Even in an era of skyrocketing educational costs, your university’s $68,400 price tag—per year—for undergraduate tuition and fees places it squarely on the list of the most expensive colleges in the nation. Yet, despite Columbia’s extraordinary expenses, your failure to respond to illegal rioters caused Columbia undergraduates to miss three weeks of in-person education," wrote Rubio.

“I urge you not to compound damage by forcing those students who did not partake in these shameful protests that espouse terrorist views, to pay for the three weeks of education your university failed to provide,” he added.

The full text of Rubio's letter outlines his concerns:

Dear President Shafik:

I write to urge you to refund Columbia students for the thousands of dollars of tuition and fees they paid Columbia University while you allowed lawless, pro-Hamas rioters to stop your institution from fulfilling its most basic obligation: providing a quality education.

As you know, on April 17, 2024, protestors established encampments in South Lawn at the center of Columbia’s campus “to stand in solidarity” with Hamas, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Your administration initially responded prudently by requesting the New York Police Department (NYPD) disband encampments and establish peace. Yet when faced with criticism from left-wing activists, you reversed course and refused further NYPD assistance as protesters returned.

The situation at Columbia predictably devolved into chaos. Riots ensued along with violent and antisemitic behavior threatening hundreds of students' safety and depriving many others of their education. Mobs harassed Jewish students and shouted racial slurs. One rioter pointed toward Jewish students while holding a sign that read “Al-Qasam’s next targets,” effectively calling on Hamas’ military wing to attack these students for their race and religion. Other rioters shouted “Hamas we love you. We support your rockets too.” These violent acts were met with hollow condemnations from your administration which offered negotiations instead.

It wasn’t until rioters stormed Hamilton Hall on April 30th—nearly two weeks after allowing protesters back—that NYPD was finally invited back to clear them out. By then safety threats had become so severe that you canceled both final exams and commencement ceremonies citing safety concerns.

These preventable atrocities not only made Columbia University a hotbed for antisemitic activity but also deprived thousands who did not participate in illegal riots their paid-for quality education services amid escalating costs topping $68K annually per student including tuition & fees making it one among costliest US institutions yet failing timely response missing three-week-long classes due disruptions canceling vital events urging issuing partial refunds calculating roughly $6400 each offsetting lost opportunities barring involved protesters ensuring remaining aren't forced paying unreceived services undo damages inflicted hope attending matter sincerely appreciated attention

Sincerely,

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