Springfield Standard

On April 26, 2024, Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) led a letter urging donors to withdraw support from Columbia University until substantial changes are implemented, beginning with the resignation of President Minouche Shafik.

In his statement, Congressman Burlison expressed strong criticism: “Why would donors continue writing checks to subsidize illiterate morons? These universities are no longer producing the future leaders of America, and I applaud those who have committed to withdrawing financial support and encourage others to follow suit until significant changes are made, starting with the resignation of President Minouche Shafik.”

Congressman Burlison was joined by several representatives including Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2), Brandon Williams (NY-22), Josh Brecheen (OK-2), Russell Fry (SC-7), Andy Ogles (TN-5), Ronny L. Jackson (TX-13), Randy Weber (TX-14), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Anthony D'Esposito (NY-4), Mike Collins (GA-10), Keith Self (TX-3), Jason Smith (MO-8), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Bob Good (VA-5).

Congressman Josh Brecheen supported the initiative stating, “Donors and alumni of Columbia University should cease all support for the university until President Shafik resigns and until the university proves it can protect Jewish students and stand against antisemitism. I applaud Congressman Burlison for leading this effort.”

Congressman Brandon Williams added, “Meaningful change at institutions at times requires making them feel it in their pocketbook. It’s shameful that this once prestigious institution has been hijacked by the radical left. Shafik must resign, or else her disastrous leadership will forever stain the reputation of Columbia.”

Expressing similar sentiments, Congressman Ronny L. Jackson remarked, “Liberal privilege has never been more apparent than what we are seeing at these ‘elite’ universities from students and faculty who are proudly Antisemitic and shamelessly supporting Hamas. These university leaders have FAILED their Jewish students and need to be held accountable for poisoning the minds of generations of Americans."

Jackson further criticized current policies: "These protestors are supporting terrorism and should be treated as a foreign terrorist threat. Instead, these snowflake protestors are thrown in jail for minutes, just to be bailed out by Soros-funded groups, and most are not even being charged with anything. It is ridiculous. Unfortunately, that is the reality Americans are forced to live in under the leadership of Joe Biden who doesn’t have the guts to stick it to these extremist university leaders and terrorist-sympathizers."

Congressman Russell Fry emphasized swift action: “Failure to take swift and direct action to stop blatant antisemitism cannot be overlooked. Until Columbia University fires President Shafik and makes significant strides to right their wrongs, donors and alumni should pull their support.”