The president of Columbia University in New York, Professor Katrina Armstrong, has apologized to pro-Palestinian students arrested during anti-Israel protests in April, sparking outrage among the university’s Jewish community. The protests led to widespread unrest on campus and police had to intervene, arresting more than 200 protesters.
In his first interview with the university newspaper, Armstrong deplored the harm caused to pro-Palestinian students during the police raid, stressing that he saw the pain and pledged to work with all communities to resolve the conflict. At the same time, he promised to uphold freedom of expression and the orderly conduct of academic activities on university premises.
His apology sparked a backlash from Jewish students and faculty, who accused the university of failing to protect them from anti-Semitic attacks. Professor Yoel Brooks said Armstrong should apologize to Jewish students who suffered from anti-Semitism. Professor Asaf Ze’evi called the apology “unnecessary and disappointing,” saying it encourages further wrongdoing by protesters and shows a leadership crisis at the university.
Columbia University responded by saying Armstrong is committed to listening to all students and ensuring they are safe and respected on campus, but the president’s remarks continue to spark controversy over the institution’s stance on religious and ethnic conflict.
