Columbia University President Lee Bollinger is set to testify at a House hearing on antisemitism in higher education next week. Bollinger, who has been the president of the prestigious Ivy League institution since 2002, will speak about the challenges faced by Jewish students on college campuses and the importance of combatting hatred and discrimination.
The hearing, titled “Antisemitism on College Campuses: A Broken Promise to Our Students,” is organized by the House Committee on Education and Labor and comes at a time when instances of antisemitism have been on the rise across the country. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there were over 2,000 incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault reported in the United States in 2020, the highest number in the past decade.
Bollinger, who is a noted scholar of freedom of speech and academic freedom, has been vocal about the need to protect all students from discrimination and hatred on college campuses. In a statement released ahead of the hearing, he said, “As educators, it is our responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or beliefs. Antisemitism has no place in our universities, and we must work together to address this issue and ensure that all students feel welcome and respected.”
During his testimony, Bollinger is expected to discuss the steps that Columbia University has taken to combat antisemitism on campus, including the establishment of a task force on diversity and inclusion and increased funding for programs promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. He will also highlight the importance of educating students about the history and consequences of antisemitism and fostering a culture of respect and tolerance.
The hearing will also feature testimony from other university leaders, experts on antisemitism, and advocacy groups working to address discrimination and hatred. It is expected to be a critical opportunity for lawmakers and higher education officials to come together to discuss strategies for combating antisemitism and ensuring that all students can pursue their education without fear of persecution.
As the president of one of the country’s most prestigious universities, Bollinger’s testimony will carry significant weight in shaping the conversation around antisemitism in higher education. His leadership on this issue highlights the importance of standing up against discrimination and hatred in all its forms, and his participation in the House hearing is a powerful statement of his commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
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