Columbia University has suspended a pro-Israel professor from campus after he publicly criticized school officials for allowing anti-Israel protests. Officials from the school said they respected Shai Davidai’s right to free speech, but he had recently “harassed and intimidated” other school employees.
Earlier this year a group of pro-Palenstine students also filed a formal complaint against Davidai claiming he intentionally put vulnerable students at risk through his actions.
Davidai posted a series of videos on social media showing himself at a campus protest Monday, Oct. 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack. One of the videos showed him confronting Columbia Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway for allegedly letting the demonstrations happen.
In the video, Davidai approached Holloway and repeatedly asked him why he let the pro-Palestine protests happen. Holloway continued to say “excuse me” while Davidai followed him.
— Shai Davidai (@ShaiDavidai) October 7, 2024
A university spokesperson said Davidai’s suspension from campus is temporary while he goes through behavioral training. The suspension does not impact his position or compensation.
Davidai said he will keep fighting for what he believes in, but is unsure of his next steps.
The turmoil over Israel-Hamas war protests at Columbia University ultimately led President Minouche Shafik to resign. This came after three Columbia deans resigned following alleged text messages that included antisemitic tropes.
Congressional Republicans are conducting an ongoing investigation into allegations of antisemitism at the university.
