Ranking Member Cassidy Reacts to Resignation of Columbia University President, Renews Call for HELP Hearing to Address Antisemitism

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released a statement following the resignation of Dr. Minouche Shafik as Columbia University President.  

“The Columbia president clearly mishandled the protests and the threats to Jewish students. The outrage over antisemitism in higher education is not going away,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Jewish students coming back to campus this fall need assurance that their schools and the Department of Education will protect them from attacks and discrimination.” 

“In the last ten months since October 7, we’ve seen antisemitic demonstrations take over college campuses. Meanwhile, the HELP Chair has refused to hold a hearing to address the antisemitism against Jewish students,” continued Dr. Cassidy. “I urge HELP Democrats to reconsider their opposition to holding a hearing to ensure schools and the Biden-Harris administration uphold their legal responsibility to maintain a safe learning environment for all students. The time for accountability is now.” 

Cassidy has repeatedly called on HELP Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to hold hearings on antisemitism and with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to provide oversight of the Department of Education (DeptEd). Cassidy also sent letters urging the Biden administration to use its authority under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect Jewish students on college campuses and at K-12 schools around the country.    

Last month, Cassidy introduced the Restoring Civility on Campus Act, which ensures universities and DeptEd immediately address civil rights complaints if a student experiences violence or harassment on campus because of their heritage. This legislation builds upon Cassidy’s prior legislative efforts to address discrimination on college campuses amid rising antisemitism in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks.    

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