On 4/24/2024, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was greeted by a roaring chorus of boos and cheers by demonstrators at the steps of Columbia University’s landmark Low Library, as he and a delegation of fellow House Republicans decried what they saw as the “lawless” protests against the war in Gaza on campus. Flanked by House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., a native to the Bronx, the chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.), and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) joined Foxx and Johnson in calling for University President Minouche Shafik’s resignation.
“[Columbia’s administrators] have proven themselves to be incapable of achieving their basic responsibility, which is keeping students safe,” Johnson said, speaking over protesters. “I am here today joining my colleagues and calling on President Shafik to resign if she cannot immediately bring order to this campus.” “As Speaker of the House, I am committing today that the Congress will not be silent, as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes hiding in fear,” Johnson continued.
Foxx later echoed Johnson’s comments, accusing Shafik of providing “false testimony” in her remarks before the committee on April 17—the same day the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” was initially established on South Lawn. Foxx cited Shafik’s statements regarding the removal of Joseph Massad, professor in the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African studies department, as chair of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences academic review committee as false, claiming “no action was taken.” “I have a message for President Shafik and a message for you all, too,” Foxx added, briefly turning her attention to the hundreds of spectators who had gathered before the podium. “The inmates are running the asylum. Take back control of this once-great institution.”
In sequence, Malliotakis, D’Esposito, and Lawler each condemned antisemitism and called for Shafik’s resignation. Lawler referenced a closed-door meeting with Shafik held prior to the press conference, saying that “after listening to her comments inside, it is clear that she has no intention of getting this University under control and ensuring the safety and well-being of every student.” “It is time for President Shafik to resign in disgrace. She has lost control of this campus,” Lawler said. “If the students are not saved, if the institution will not act, Congress has a responsibility to do so. And we will.”
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Speaker Johnson & House Members call on Columbia U. President Minouche Shafik to resign