Columbia and Google’s crackdown on anti-Israel protesters is a common sense victory.

opinion

Editor

From the Submission Editorial Committee

Has the tide finally turned against qualified anti-Israel demonstrators?

On Thursday, Colombian President Minouche Shafiq called on the New York Police Department to remove hundreds of protesters who set up a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on the South Lawn of Butler Library on Wednesday.

The demonstrations had already gotten out of control, with several protesters blocking sidewalks, assaulting police officers and other disruptive behavior, and were arrested.

Before bringing in police, Columbia University warned the students multiple times that they would be punished if they did not leave. and He offered to discuss their concerns with the protesters if they dispersed.

“I have taken this unusual step because this is an unusual situation,” Shafiq said. “The individuals who set up the encampment violated a long list of rules and policies.”

Indeed, the day before, she testified about a number of hateful incidents at Columbia University, telling the House Education and Labor Committee that students “are getting the message that there are consequences for violating our policies.” Told.

We are happy to see Shafik keep that vow. Clearly, Congress deserves some credit for stepping into the fire with educators on this issue.

Academia has responded to anti-Israel protests with kid gloves, sending a clear message that it’s okay even if extreme anti-Semitism is featured.

Students need administrators to stand up and make it clear that just because anti-Semites are left-wing does not mean they are given a free pass to violate school policy.

The Columbia crackdown follows Google’s firing of 28 employees who staged workplace sit-ins in New York and California over its dealings with Israel.

The company warned in an internal memo: “If you’re one of the few who’s tempted to think we’ll overlook behavior that violates our policies, think again.”

Bravo.

Let’s continue to bring down the hammer on left-handed protesters who think they are above the rules.

Even if I don’t have high hopes, I can’t help but feel optimistic that common sense is finally returning to liberal America.