Tensions Rise at Barnard College: A Campus in Turmoil
In recent weeks, Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia University, has been embroiled in a wave of anti-Israel protests and unrest that has disrupted campus life and raised concerns about safety and inclusivity. The situation escalated earlier this month when a group of students occupied the Milstein Center, the college’s library, leading to a bomb threat and the subsequent intervention of the New York Police Department (NYPD). This chain of events has sparked a heated debate among students, administrators, and the broader community about the college’s handling of protests, the role of law enforcement on campus, and the need for accountability.
A Student’s Call for Accountability
Eliana Birman, a Jewish student at Barnard, and her fellow student Shoshana Aufzien, have taken a leadership role in voicing their concerns about the atmosphere on campus. The two students co-authored an open letter in response to a statement released by the Barnard Student Government Association (SGA), which criticized the college for calling the police during the recent protests. The letter, which has garnered nearly 1,300 signatures within days, calls for greater accountability from the college and challenges the SGA’s stance on police presence.
Safety vs. Solidarity: The Debate Intensifies
Birman expressed her frustration with the SGA’s letter in an interview with Fox News Digital, arguing that the police presence on campus during the bomb threat was necessary to ensure student safety. She and her friends felt that the SGA’s position did not reflect their own feelings of vulnerability during the emergency. "We honestly felt safer having police on our campus when there was a bomb threat and when we were in an emergency situation," Birman stated. She also criticized the SGA’s demand for a "promise" that police would not be called onto campus in the future, calling it unrealistic and unsafe.
A Troubling Trend at Columbia and Beyond
The current unrest at Barnard is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend of anti-Israel activity at Columbia University, with which Barnard is affiliated. Last spring, Columbia’s campus was the site of a prolonged encampment by anti-Israel protesters, an event that Birman and others believe has emboldened agitators and contributed to the atmosphere of tension and fear. Social media has also played a role in amplifying anti-Israel messaging, making it easier for slogans and ideas to spread quickly among students.
Feeling Safe but Vigilant: A Student’s Perspective
Despite the generally safe environment at Barnard, Birman described how the recent protests have made her more cautious and vigilant. While she feels comfortable expressing her Jewish identity most of the time, she has had to be more mindful of her surroundings and interactions during periods of heightened tensions. "I really do have to be careful about where I go and who I speak to and who I make eye contact with," she said. This sense of unease reflects the broader concerns of Jewish students who feel their identities are being targeted or marginalized.
A Call for Greater Acknowledgment of Antisemitism
Birman acknowledged that Barnard has made efforts to address antisemitism on campus but emphasized that there is still much work to be done. She pointed out that while the college has acknowledged the general climate of hate and intimidation, it has not specifically named antisemitism as a significant issue. This omission, Birman argues, undermines efforts to create a truly inclusive and safe environment for all students. She hopes that the college will take a more proactive and transparent approach to addressing these concerns and fostering a sense of unity among its diverse student body.
Barnard College has not yet responded to requests for comment on Birman’s letter or the SGA’s claims about a "long-standing promise" regarding police presence on campus. As the situation continues to unfold, students like Birman remain committed to advocating for a campus environment where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the college can balance the rights and safety of all students while addressing the underlying issues that have led to this unrest.
