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EXCLUSIVE: Students across major New York City universities have come forward to expose the views of some professors that they believe foster an environment of antisemitism on campus. These educators are accused of endorsing anti-Israel protests and presenting biased messaging that many students feel should not be tolerated.
Jewish students from NYU, Columbia, Barnard College, and Baruch College recently participated in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, sharing troubling accounts regarding the conduct and statements made by professors at some of the most esteemed educational institutions in the United States.
“Many of my peers have reported disturbing comments made by professors, whether in Middle Eastern studies classes or other courses that seemingly have nothing to do with the topic,” stated TJ Katz, a student at Columbia University.
Similarly, Mera Skoblo from NYU expressed her frustrations, saying, “Professors have shouted at students and failed to offer necessary support.”
Intimidation Through Campus Climate
Eliana Birman of Barnard College shared her observations about faculty members displaying questionable sentiments. She noted that some professors have slogans such as ‘hands off our students’ and ‘free Palestine’ posted on their office doors, raising concerns among students.
Aidan Herlinger from Baruch College went further, stating, “I’ve encountered professors who exhibit antisemitic attitudes. Students feel helpless as speaking out could jeopardize their academic standing.”
The Call for Reform
Students are advocating for significant changes within university departments. Shoshana Aufzien of Barnard emphasized the need for a thorough audit of departmental practices to ensure educators are not promoting extremist views. Her call for action reflects a growing demand for accountability in academic settings.
Campus Protests and Rising Tensions
Columbia University has gained notoriety for its involvement in anti-Israel protests. Following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the campus experienced numerous demonstrations, leading to hundreds of arrests among students and non-students alike.
NYU has also witnessed protests, albeit on a smaller scale. For instance, a protest on December 12, 2024, saw demonstrators outside the library calling for an “intifada revolution,” demanding recognition that “Tel Aviv is stolen land.”
Fear Among Jewish Students
As tensions rise, Jewish students express growing fears about their safety on campus. Mera Skoblo articulated the anxiety felt by many, stating, “A lot of us are scared. We’ve experienced hostility, and some even avoid revealing their identities out of fear.”
A Harsh Reality
Skoblo continued, “The last two years have been particularly challenging for Jewish students. Some of us feel compelled to hide who we are, and we often feel threatened during our studies.” She recounted instances of being shouted at or facing discrimination, stating, “How do we focus on our studies amidst chants that seem to promote our destruction?”
Professors Under Scrutiny
When discussing the impact of faculty on student perspectives regarding the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, Aidan Herlinger remarked that professors seemingly play a significant role in influencing student attitudes.
While there is an acknowledgment that antisemitism has been a persistent issue on college campuses, students believe that the recent escalation of anti-Israel sentiment following the October 7 event has led some professors to sway students toward involvement in contentious protests, some escalating to violence. These actions have resulted in expulsion, suspension, and arrests.
Consequences for Educators
Despite these serious allegations, Herlinger believes that professors will not face repercussions for their actions. He noted, “Professors at public institutions like Baruch often remain unaccountable due to the funding model reliant on state and city budgets.”
His observations indicate a concerning trend, suggesting that educators who allegedly promote extremist views might not be held to any standards of accountability.
The Path Forward
Fox News Digital has reached out to the universities mentioned for comments on these matters. As the discourse around these pressing issues continues, the plight of Jewish students embodies a significant challenge that universities must confront head-on.
In the ongoing struggle against antisemitism and the call for a more inclusive academic environment, students and advocates argue for a proactive approach that addresses the root causes of such a pervasive issue. As conversations develop, the impact on the academic landscape will require an engaged community willing to demand change.
