Controversy Erupts at Barnard College Over Expulsion of Students for Disrupting Israel History Class
In a move that has sparked significant controversy and debate, two students from Barnard College in New York City have been expelled for their alleged involvement in disrupting the first session of a "History of Modern Israel" course last month. The expulsions were made public by the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) group, which advocates for Columbia University to divest from any associations with Israel. Barnard College and Columbia University are affiliated institutions, and this incident has brought to light tensions over free speech, academic freedom, and the complexities of geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.
The CUAD group, in a post on the social media platform X, criticized the Barnard administration for what they described as a history of hostility toward pro-Palestine voices. They accused the administration of using harsh disciplinary measures to silence dissent and "stifle protest." The group suggested that the expulsions were an attempt to "erase their complicity" in larger political issues. However, Barnard College President Laura Rosenbury responded to the situation by emphasizing the college’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive academic environment. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Rosenbury noted that federal law prohibits the college from commenting on individual students’ academic or disciplinary records. Still, she underscored Barnard’s responsibility to uphold its values and protect the integrity of the learning experience.
"When rules are broken, when there is no remorse, no reflection, and no willingness to change, we must act," Rosenbury wrote. "Expulsion is always an extraordinary measure, but so too is our commitment to respect, inclusion, and the integrity of the academic experience." Rosenbury did not explicitly confirm the expulsions but made it clear that Barnard takes seriously any actions that disrupt the academic process or create a hostile environment for students. Her statement was met with praise from some quarters, including Brian Cohen, the director of The Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life, who commended Rosenbury for taking a stand against what he described as harassment and antisemitic behavior.
According to reports, the two expelled Barnard students, along with a Columbia University student and a fourth individual, disrupted the January 21 class by banging on drums, chanting "free Palestine," and attempting to plaster the classroom walls with a sign featuring an illustration of Hamas terrorists pointing guns, accompanied by the words "THE ENEMY WILL NOT SEE TOMORROW." The CUAD group, which has been vocal in its support for the protesters, posted a video of the disruption on Instagram and described the "History of Modern Israel" course as "training future foot soldiers and managers of genocide." The group encouraged others to follow suit, stating, "We disrupted a Zionist class, and you should too."
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from both supporters and critics of the students’ actions. While some have condemned the disruption as an attack on academic freedom and an example of antisemitic agitation, others have framed it as a form of protest against Israel’s policies in the occupied territories and a broader critique of Zionism. The Columbia University student involved in the incident was reportedly suspended by Columbia University, though the details of that disciplinary action have not been made public. The expulsions of the Barnard students, however, have been the focal point of the controversy, with many questioning whether the punishment was proportionate to the offense.
This incident reflects the broader challenges universities face in balancing free speech with the need to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment. It also highlights the deeply divisive nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict, which often plays out on college campuses through protests, boycott campaigns, and debates over academic programming. As universities navigate these complex issues, they must weigh the rights of all students to express their views against the responsibility to protect the academic experience from disruption and harassment. For Barnard College, this case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to uphold its values of inclusion, respect, and intellectual freedom.
