Suffolk Reporter

Senator Mattera And Senate Republican Conference Call On Governor Hochul To Deploy National Guard And Demand Resignation Of Columbia University President

Senator Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District) and Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, along with their colleagues, have called on Governor Kathy Hochul to take immediate action in response to the recent events at Columbia University. The University has been the site of disturbing protests and harassment directed towards Jewish students, prompting the call for the deployment of the National Guard and the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik.

The senators highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for intervention to protect the rights and safety of all students on campus. Senator Mattera expressed his concerns regarding the disruption caused by the anti-Israel protests, stating, “It is truly concerning to witness a prestigious institution like Columbia University permitting an anti-Israel protest that causes significant disruption and threatens the safety and futures of Jewish students."

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt condemned the actions at Columbia University as "Antisemitic, anti-American, and in many cases illegal," calling for strong leadership to address the situation. He urged Governor Hochul to join in demanding President Shafik's resignation and deploying the National Guard to restore safety and order on campus.

The letter addressed to Governor Hochul stressed the urgency of the matter, stating, “We urge you to use your authority to deploy the National Guard at Columbia University immediately." The senators emphasized the need for decisive action to protect the civil rights of all students and to combat the rise of antisemitism in educational institutions.

Senator Anthony Palumbo underscored the constitutional and humanitarian obligation of the administration to ensure the safety of Jewish students, while Senator Alexis Weik called for President Shafik's resignation for failing to protect students from discrimination and harassment. Other senators echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the targeting and harassment of Jewish students and emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment on college campuses.

The senators made it clear that there is no place for antisemitism or any form of discrimination in New York State. They called on Governor Hochul to take immediate and decisive action to address the ongoing crisis at Columbia University and to uphold the rights and well-being of all students.