We’ve heard it so many times that “universities are going to be punished if they don’t protect their Jewish students.” To be totally honest, even though he’s been strong in supporting Jewish issues, when President Trump made the claim, I doubted he could get it done. Boy, was I wrong.
As announced today, members of the ‘Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism’ took action to protect Jewish students in response to inaction by Columbia University.” They cut about $400,000,000 in grants and contracts from the school.
Per the Task Force press release:
Today, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education (ED), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the immediate cancelation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students. These cancelations represent the first round of action and additional cancelations are expected to follow. The Task Force is continuing to review and coordinate across federal agencies to identify additional cancelations that could be made swiftly. DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA are taking this action as members of the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. Columbia University currently holds more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments.
It’s only 8% of their vast government funding, but it’s still a big slap in the face. Get it done NOW! Earlier in the week, Columbia was warned, but there was absolutely no move to improve.
“Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses – only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
Freezing the funds is one of the tools we are using to respond to this spike in anti-Semitism. This is only the beginning,” said Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and head of the DOJ Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. “Canceling these taxpayer funds is our strongest signal yet that the Federal Government is not going to be party to an educational institution like Columbia that does not protect Jewish students and staff.”
“Doing business with the Federal Government is a privilege,” said Josh Gruenbaum, FAS Commissioner and Task Force member. “Columbia University, through their continued and shameful inaction to stop radical protestors from taking over buildings on campus and lack of response to the safety issues for Jewish students, and for that matter – all students – are not upholding the ideals of this Administration or the American people. Columbia cannot expect to retain the privilege of receiving federal taxpayer dollars if they will not fulfill their civil rights responsibilities to protect Jewish students from harassment and anti-Semitism.”
Some will start complaining that this action is anti-First Amendment. But it’s not about what the cowards were saying; it’s about what the cowards were doing. And yes, they are cowards. The anti-Semetic mobsters cover their faces so no one knows who they are.
This action is just a first step. The Joint task force will need to investigate other Universities. But the government cannot do it all. There must be organizations outside government protecting Jewish students, in fact all Jews from Antisemitism.
Herut North America is deeply committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring the security and dignity of American Jewry. They recognize that Antisemitism remains a persistent challenge and stand firm in the efforts to confront and counteract it through dedicated activism, education, and the promotion of Jewish unity. Herut’s commitment to American Jewry is unwavering as they work tirelessly to equip the Jewish community with the tools and support necessary to defend our rights.
Herut’s commitment to fighting Antisemitism is one reason The Lid (Jeff Dunetz) is proud to run on the Herut Slate for the World Zionist Congress (WZC) election. Voting begins at 12am on March 10th. If you are Jewish and read this site, it would mean a lot to me if you would take the time to vote in the WZC Election, Herut, slate 23.
To vote, you must be Jewish and pay five dollars. They take credit cards and all the major internet payment systems.
The card below provides a link and QR Code for Herut and The Lid voting. Please note: The link and QR code will not become live until 12 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Thanks in Advance,
-Jeff (The Lid)
