Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived on the campus of Columbia University on Wednesday to teach a class, only to be confronted by an angry group of students denouncing her support for Israel’s military action against Hamas.
The group of students, who held up Palestinian flags and posters, shouted “Hillary, Hillary, you can’t hide! You’re supporting genocide!” alongside Professor Keren Yarhi-Milo, who had tweeted and co-taught classes alongside the 2016 presidential candidate.
As Professor Yarhi-Milo and Clinton attempted to leave the area, the group of students shouted “Shame on you! Shame on you!”
It’s not the first time that Clinton has been met with this sort of response from the Columbia University campus community. Earlier in November, 30 students participated in a walkout in protest of the university’s handling of those who openly expressed sympathy towards Hamas. These students also called for “immediate legal support for affected students.”
The heckling of Hillary Clinton at Columbia University on Wednesday has raised concerns over the university’s ability to deal with students who oppose certain views of its educators. In the eyes of the student body, many feel that their views have been unfairly demonized by members of the public, creating a hostile learning environment.
The events at Columbia have also raised deep questions of state and foreign policy. In an interview, one student protester pulled no punches when he said “It’s important that we hold our leaders accountable for their actions, and we will not be silenced.”
It begs the question: In the age of divided politics and foreign conflict, what exactly is the role of higher education? Should universities be spaces for education and discussion, or limited to a particular set of views?
Secretary Hillary Clinton faced pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University today.
Clinton teaches a class at Columbia called “Inside The Situation Room.” pic.twitter.com/oxr56sD7rn
— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) November 29, 2023
One thing is certain: Hillary Clinton’s views have been met with vehement opposition from Columbia students and it’s hilarious.