Two Republican senators are calling on President Joe Biden to deploy the National Guard to protect Jewish students on university campuses, specifically Columbia University in New York City.
Rising Tensions
The request from Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) is in the wake of a series of anti-Israel protests at Columbia and other universities in the wake of the October 7th attack by Hamas on Israel and Israel’s subsequent retaliation in Gaza.
Historical Precedent
As precedent, Senator Hawley pointed to President Eisenhower’s decision in 1957 to deploy the National Guard at Little Rock Central High School.
Immediate Measures Needed
Hawley states that similar intervention and protection is needed to protect Jewish students on campuses across the country where anti-Israel protests have disrupted and intimidated Jewish students and their allies.
Senator Cotton’s Stance
In line with Senator Hawley, Senator Tom Cotton criticized law enforcement on campus and in local communities for not cracking down on conditions that imperil and intimidate students at Columbia, making Jews feel unsafe to attend classes and activities on campus.
Federal Responsibility
Senator Cotton argues that in the absence of sufficient local law enforcement action or to bolster capabilities if needed, the federal government should support or spearhead the effort to protect the targeted students.
Local Inaction Criticized
The Senators also take New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul to task for what they consider underwhelming and unsatisfactory responses to the demonstrations on campuses in their jurisdiction.
Presidential Condemnation
President Biden has spoken out in opposition to the anti-Israel protests, focusing on his initiatives to attempt a peaceful end to the strife between Israel and Hamas, a return of the Israeli hostages to their families, and increased humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Campus Safety
Despite Biden’s efforts to condemn the protests, the situation at Columbia has escalated to the point that outside help may be needed to quell the tension.
Rabbi’s Warning
In a poignant move, Rabbi Elie Buechler of Columbia University advised Jewish students to vacate the campus and remain away from Columbia for the time being until safety and order are restored.
Academic Disruptions
Additionally, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik’s response to the ongoing tensions was to cancel in-person classes for the time being.
Unchecked Demonstrations
At this point, protestors remain on campus in a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” which has enabled some protestors to perpetrate antisemitic incidents over the past few days.
Violent Rhetoric
Using the Gaza Solidarity Encampment as a base, protestors have yelled violent threats to those outside the camp, increasing the insecurity and intimidation for all onlookers on campus, Jew or not.
Legislative Response
Prior to the latest incidents at Columbia University, the Senate recently voted to condemn Hamas and antisemitism on campuses across the country. Senator Hawley was the sponsor of this legislation.
