Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., called on Columbia University leaders to take action against the growing anti-Israel protests on campus. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Anti-Israel agitators occupied Columbia's south lawn in New York City for hours on Wednesday as Shafik testified before Congress about antisemitism on the university's campus.
An encampment with tents was set up on the main lawn of campus and the protests continued into the night for several days.
Protests at the university have called for an intifada and the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One Jewish Columbia University student was told to "kill yourself" and was repeatedly kicked in the stomach.
Foxx wrote: "The encampment and related activities have resulted in widespread antisemitic harassment and intimidation, assaults, frequent celebration of terrorism, and major disruptions of Columbia’s learning environment. … The Committee is aware of multiple Jewish students seeking shelter off-campus due to their well-founded fears regarding their physical safety and continuing to be subjected to what is clearly a hostile environment."
On Thursday, the New York City Police Department arrested 108 people who refused to leave the encampment, each of whom was issued a summons for trespassing. The university also began handing out suspension notices to the students who were arrested.
"This situation is unacceptable, and it is imperative that Columbia’s leaders restore order and safety without further delay, in line with their commitments before the Committee at its April 17 hearing," Foxx said, referring to comments made by Shafik, Greenwald and Shipman stressing the importance of student safety.
WHITE HOUSE CONDEMNS 'BLATANTLY ANTISEMITIC' PROTESTS AS AGITATORS ENGULF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Multiple students were arrested as officers cleared an encampment on Columbia’s lawn on Thursday. (Peter Gerber for Fox News Digital)
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On Monday, students are planning a walk out to demand amnesty for student and faculty protesters as well as the university's divestment from "Israeli apartheid."
Shafik's office said in a statement to Fox News Digital that students have a right to protest, but they may not harass and intimidate other students.
"As President Shafik has said repeatedly, the safety of our community is our number one priority," the statement said. "Columbia students have the right to protest, but they are not allowed to disrupt campus life or harass and intimidate fellow students and members of our community. We are acting on concerns we are hearing from our Jewish students and are providing additional support and resources to ensure that our community remains safe."
Fox News' Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-congresswoman-demands-columbia-university-restore-order-safety-amid-anti-israel-protests