Pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Barnard College in New York City, taking over a campus building and causing chaos. Masked demonstrators chanted “Free Palestine” and clashed with police, leading to arrests. The protests turned violent when a staff member was injured during the mob’s rush into the building. Jewish students say they feel unsafe as antisemitic rhetoric spreads across campus.
The protesters demanded the school reverse the expulsion of two students who disrupted a Columbia University class earlier this year. They called for amnesty for all students punished for pro-Palestine actions and accused Barnard of funding “genocide.” Graffiti like “Barnard funds genocide” was scrawled on walls, while Palestinian flags hung in hallways. Conservative leaders blasted the protests, calling them “pro-Hamas mobs” that have no place on campuses.
Jewish students shared horrifying stories of harassment. Freshman Eliana Birman said protesters told her she should be “embarrassed” to attend Barnard. Another student, Shoshana Aufzien, described hearing chants like “Intifada Revolution” from her dorm window. Both said administrators have failed to protect Jewish students despite promises to address antisemitism. “There’s a target on my back just for being Jewish,” Birman said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson slammed the demonstrations, writing, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.” He urged Barnard and Columbia to end the “antisemitic chaos” immediately. Critics argue these protests aren’t about peace—they’re about intimidating Jewish students and normalizing hate. Letting masked mobs take over buildings sets a dangerous precedent for campus safety.
The school’s weak response has frustrated many. Administrators offered to meet protesters only if they removed masks, but the mob refused. Despite claims of “mediation,” no real consequences followed the violent takeover. Jewish students called the administration’s actions “all talk, no action,” saying rules aren’t enforced equally. When lawless behavior goes unpunished, chaos becomes the norm.
Protesters marched to City College to disrupt an event with Governor Kathy Hochul, forcing its cancellation. Police arrested several agitators who tried breaching barricades. These radicals don’t want dialogue—they want to shut down opposing views. Their tactics mirror far-left movements that prioritize disruption over constructive debate.
Barnard now restricts campus access to ID holders, but damage is done. Families worry these elite schools care more about political correctness than student safety. When colleges tolerate mob rule, they betray their mission to foster learning and respect. Taxpayer-funded universities must uphold order, not cave to antisemitic bullies.
Conservatives say enough is enough. Schools must expel violent protesters, protect Jewish students, and restore sanity to campuses. Supporting Israel isn’t a crime—it’s standing against terrorism. Parents and lawmakers must hold woke administrators accountable before more students get hurt. Freedom of speech doesn’t include the right to threaten others or destroy property.
