Attorney General Raúl Labrador has aligned with a coalition of 25 attorneys general in expressing concerns about antisemitism at Columbia University. The coalition sent a letter urging the university to resist demands for divestment from Israel.
Labrador stated, “Like most Americans, I was dismayed at the antisemitic protests occurring on college campuses across the country. However, despite the demands from pro-Palestinian student groups and others supporting Hamas, I am encouraged that Columbia University has not divested from Israel. I urge them to continue to resist that pressure.”
Addressed to Interim President Katrina Armstrong, MD, the letter highlights incidents earlier this year where pro-Palestinian groups held protests on campus demanding divestment from Israel. Despite arrests and negotiations, Columbia University decided against divesting. The letter also notes an increase in antisemitic rhetoric around the anniversary of attacks on October 7.
The attorneys general commend Columbia University's stance against divesting and urge it to maintain this position amidst pressure from some student groups. The initiative was co-led by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. Attorneys general from several states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia also joined.