Student’s open letter calling out Barnard gets more than 1,000 signatures

Barnard College, a prestigious institution within the Columbia University system, has recently been shaken by weeks of anti-Israel protests that have disrupted campus life. These tensions escalated when a group of students took over the Milstein Center, the college library, leading to a tense standoff with school authorities. In response to this unrest, the NYPD was called to the campus on March 5 after a bomb threat was issued. During the police intervention, several protesters were arrested, drawing strong reactions from various corners of the college community.

Eliana Birman, a Jewish student at Barnard, stepped into the spotlight when she and her fellow student Shoshana Aufzien co-authored an open letter to the college administration. The letter, which garnered nearly 1,300 signatures in just a few days, was a direct response to a statement released by the Barnard Student Government Association (SGA). The SGA had condemned the college’s decision to involve the police, claiming it broke a “long-standing promise” to avoid such interventions. Birman, however, disagrees with this stance, asserting that the presence of police on campus during the bomb threat made her and many others feel safer. She questioned the SGA’s stance, emphasizing that the promise they referred to was unclear and that the safety of students should always be the top priority. The SGA letter demanded amnesty for all students involved in the protests, called for negotiations between the administration and protesters, and sought changes to the college’s disciplinary procedures to include student and faculty input.

Birman shared her concerns with Fox News Digital, expressing her frustration with the SGA’s letter and what she perceives as a lack of representation for Jewish students like herself. She explained that while the overall atmosphere at Barnard feels safe, the recurring anti-Israel protests have made her cautious and watchful. Birman also pointed out that much of the anti-Israel sentiment seems to stem from social media and past events, particularly the previous year’s protests at Columbia University. She noted that these historical incidents continue to influence current student activism, creating a tense environment for Jewish students on campus.

Despite her concerns, Birman acknowledged that Barnard has made progress in addressing issues of antisemitism recently. However, she feels that the college could do more, particularly in explicitly acknowledging the form of hate that Jewish students face. Birman emphasized the importance of clear communication from the administration to ensure that all students, especially those targeted by such unrest, feel supported and secure. She highlighted the need for a collective effort to create a more inclusive and safe campus environment for everyone.

The situation at Barnard has also drawn attention beyond the campus, with Representative Michael Lawler and New York City Mayor Eric Adams weighing in on the matter. Lawler expressed his support for Jewish students and called for accountability, while Adams highlighted the importance of a safe learning environment for all students. These responses underscore the broader implications of the campus unrest and the need for institutions to address issues of safety and inclusivity comprehensively.

In summary, the recent events at Barnard College highlight the complexities of balancing student activism with safety and inclusivity. While the SGA and protesters advocate for certain demands, students like Eliana Birman stress the importance of acknowledging antisemitism and ensuring that safety measures are in place. As the college navigates these challenges, open dialogue and clear communication between all parties will be crucial in fostering a harmonious and secure environment for all students.