Five Columbia students are taking a break from their busy schedules of over-caffeinated study sessions and existential crises to file a lawsuit against some of the far-left “squad” members. Why, you ask? Because apparently, the anti-Israel protests they were cheering on came with a side of harassment and anti-Semitic theatrics, leaving them feeling more like they were in a dystopian drama than a college campus.
The lawsuit names Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, along with fellow progressive “squad” members Reps: Jamal Bowman and Ilhan Omar, and several anti-Israel organizations. The lawsuit alleges that the Gaza Encampment involved extreme and illegal behavior that violated university rules. According to the complaint, the protesters harassed, blocked, intimidated, and bullied Jewish students.
One student described witnessing numerous offensive and anti-Semitic signs, including posters with derogatory images. Another student recounted being singled out and physically pushed during the protests because he was wearing a yarmulke. He claims that a protest leader confronted him and his friends aggressively.
Another student reported feeling a pervasive sense of uncertainty and anxiety. They were concerned about the impact of the protests on their studies and campus life. A sophomore detailed being harassed and verbally attacked by anti-Israel protesters during the demonstrations.
The lawsuit aims to address the destructive calls and threats made during the protests, arguing that such behavior is out of place in a civilized society. It highlights the disruption faced by 36,000 Columbia students who, despite adhering to university rules, attending classes, and pursuing their education, found their campus experience severely impacted.
At the time, Ocasio-Cortez and Omar publicly supported the protests. Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the role of student-led protests in shaping the country, while Omar made controversial comments suggesting some Jewish students supported genocide.
In June, Columbia settled a separate lawsuit with a Jewish student who had been forced to attend classes online because the university had halted in-person learning during the protests. The settlement included measures to ensure student safety, such as 24-hour security escorts and alternative methods for entering and leaving campus. The plaintiffs’ attorney emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and noted that this settlement provides focused security for students who feel unsafe, marking a significant victory for their cause.
This current legal action aims to address the fallout from the protest and to ensure that the pursuit of education remains untainted by such radical disruptions.
