Egg on face: Columbia University cancels discussion to justify Hamas murder, rape after widespread furore

After facing backlash and strong criticism, Columbia University has announced that it will not be allowing “a teach-in and discussion” on the “significance of the October 7th Palestinian counteroffensive” that was scheduled for 6 December. The event was scheduled to be held at Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW). On Monday, CSSW claimed the students who organised the event “did not seek approval” and it was “not a CSSW-sponsored event.” “CSSW supports free speech but does not condone language that promotes violence in any manner, which is antithetical to our values,” the statement read.

A rare moment of sanity: @ColumbiaSSW will not allow this event to occur. @Columbia - Will there be any repercussions for organizations that clearly refuse to follow school rules?

Thank you everyone for raising your voice! When we act together, we make a difference! https://t.co/SnlsUT4h3l pic.twitter.com/mFKeNCXOrR

— Shai Davidai (@ShaiDavidai) December 4, 2023

Shai Davidai, an assistant professor of management at the Columbia Business School, who shared the invitation to the event reacted to the decision to cancellation and called it, “A rare moment of sanity.” He also asked Columbia University whether there would be any repercussions for organisations that refuse to follow school rules. Sharing the invitation, Davidai had said: “IT’S TIME FOR ALL OF US TO RAISE OUR VOICES! The School of Social Work at @Colubmia University CANNOT allow a “teach-in” that sees rape as a “counteroffensive” and calls murder and kidnap of children “revolutionary violence”!” Also Read: Columbia University organises discussion to justify, normalise Hamas rape, murder People expressed their anger against Columbia University for holding the “discussion”, with many calling it “appalling” and asking the varsity to cancel the ’teach-in’ because they are trashing your school’s reputation." A student of the University said he would “not feel safe on the campus” if the event took place. “This is the rhetoric of justifying worldly regarded terrorism. This must not go on at Columbia University,” the student said. With inputs from agencies