Recent developments at Columbia University have sparked widespread attention as the administration grapples with protests on campus. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the administration has not been in contact with university leaders regarding the situation, repeatedly stating 'I don't have any calls to readout'. Meanwhile, Democratic NY Representative Goldman acknowledged the Columbia president's decisive actions in response to the protests, which he said violate both university policy and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Amidst these tensions, Senator Capito criticized the leadership at Columbia for falling short in addressing antisemitism and suggested reconsidering federal funding for universities failing to address such issues. Johnson emphasized the need for President Biden to address the un-American nature of the protests, criticizing his silence. The White House has been criticized for its perceived lack of a forceful response to the protests, with some accusing President Biden of maintaining silence to avoid alienating young voters.
Q: "We’re being told that there are professional outside agitators involved [in these campus protests]. We don't know if they're being paid to sow chaos by domestic folks or foreign entities. Does Biden want his administration to find out who is funding theses protests?" KJP: "I… https://t.co/aXp8037ZwJ
Doocy: "I understand that President Biden historically has spoken very forcefully about antisemitism. But this week he's not ... Is he that worried about losing the youth vote with these protesters?" WH press sec: "Climate change, something that young people really truly care… https://t.co/oQ5T7B8PId
DOOCY: How does [Biden] explain Biden's silence this week? KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: "The president has not been silent!" (Biden literally has been silent — and hasn't said a word about the pro-Hamas mobs terrorizing college campuses) https://t.co/EogquN1FRB
Q: “Is [Biden] aware of the reports that a fair number of people arrested on college campuses are not students?” WH press sec: “That is something that I can’t speak to at this time” https://t.co/0DdsVrFjzS
REPORTER: "Is [Biden] aware of the reports that a fair number of people arrested on college campuses are not students?" KJP: "That is something for, obviously, local [law enforcement] to speak to...that is something that I can't speak to at this time." REPORTER: "So he's not… https://t.co/1LjS2OrmY2
REPORTER: Once again — why hasn't Biden been more "forceful" in speaking against the pro-Hamas mob on college campuses? KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: "No other president has spoken about antisemitism than this president!" 🤔 REPORTER: "That's not the question — it's the protests." https://t.co/gHAJB7qK1b
Q: "Has anyone from the administration been in touch with administrators, leaders at Columbia or any of these universities that are seeing these protests?" KJP: "I don’t have any calls to read out at this time." https://t.co/aWfRzB3meX
1) Johnson on college campus protests: We need the President of the United States to speak to the issue and say, this is wrong. What's happening on college campuses right now is wrong. It is un-American. It is not who we are. The president seems unable or unwilling to do that.…
HASNIE: Are you going to be asking (CARDONA) to look into defunding some of these universities for not addressing the antisemitism? SEN CAPITO: Absolutely. I mean, they're in violation of the law... The leadership at Columbia University has fallen so far short. If I had a student…
A) Dem NY Rep Goldman: I think the Columbia president, took decisive action today after trying to negotiate in good faith with students to, make sure that they voluntarily disperse. They are violating not only Columbia policy, but they are violating title six of the Civil Rights…
Reuters's @JeffMason1: “Does the White House support peaceful protesters at Colombia or elsewhere being threatened with being removed from — from the school —” KJP: “Yeah.” Mason: “— or being put on discipline or probation.” KJP: “So —” Mason: “Is that —” KJP: “— sorry. I’m… https://t.co/NxwyEu68tY
Q: "Is the answer, 'no,' the administration has not been in touch with anyone at Columbia?" KJP: "I don't have any readout...I don't have any calls to readout to you of conversations with any university leaders at this time." https://t.co/uojLySM3ef
Q: "Has the president...spoken to [Columbia] university leadership? Is the president satisfied with how they're handling the situation?" KJP: "Look, we've said this many times, this is nothing new. The president has always been clear..." https://t.co/v4Wp7r1FUP