Tensions at Columbia University grew on Monday morning after professor Shai Davidai’s college ID card was deactivated as he tried to lead a pro-Israeli protest group on campus to counteract the ongoing pro-Palestine demonstrations.
The incident unfolded just before 10 a.m. at the school entrance located on West 117th Street and Broadway when the controversial professor — known for his particularly harsh rebuke of pro-Palestine supporters — attempted to lead an opposing sit-in against the ongoing encampment set up on the campus lawn.
But when Davidai attempted to scan, he found that his card was not recognized — sending him into a rage.
“You support Hamas on campus but me, a professor, you won’t let me on campus?” Davidai roared. “I wish you would let me into my job!”
While Davidai and his band of protesters were denied entry, Chief Operating Officer of Columbia University Cas Holloway stated that the professor would be permitted back inside to teach on Tuesday.
This comes as the students encamped on the university lawn, calling for the college’s divestment in entities supporting Israel amid the nation’s ongoing war with Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks, defended themselves against accusations that they are antisemitic.
“We are student activists at Columbia calling for divestment from genocide. We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us. At universities across the nation, our movement is united in valuing every human life,” part of a statement released by the students read. “Our members have been misidentified by a politically motivated mob. We have been doxxed in the press, arrested by the NYPD, and locked out of our homes by the University. We have knowingly put ourselves in danger because we can no longer be complicit in Columbia funneling our tuition dollars and grant funding into companies that profit from death.”
The students went on to claim that they are against bigotry and hatred of any kind as they maintain the protest.
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