- An anti-Israel student group at Columbia University called Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), has endorsed violence and retracted an earlier apology for a student, Khymani James, who made anti-Zionist statements advocating for the murder of Zionists. This move came with the explicit statement that “violence is the only path forward,” highlighting a shift toward more radical rhetoric.
- Initially, CUAD issued an apology for James’s comments but later walked back this apology, stating it was not in line with the group’s guidelines. This reversal happened around the first anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel, signaling direct support for armed resistance against Israel.
- The group’s actions and statements have stirred significant controversy, leading to discussions on free speech versus incitement to violence, and raising concerns about the escalation of campus activism into endorsement of violent means. This has implications for campus safety, student rights, and how universities handle politically charged protests. Read More