Recent anti-Israel demonstrations at Barnard College have drawn criticism from Columbia University associate professor Shai Davidai, who points to a broader issue of student and faculty conduct. While the protests physically occurred at Barnard, Davidai alleges involvement from a Columbia-affiliated group, a claim disputed by the university. He links the recent events to a history of escalating tensions, citing a previous protest in October 2023 and the January incident where two students were expelled for disrupting a class with antisemitic flyers.

Davidai expressed concern over what he perceives as a lack of accountability and the impact on students, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who feel increasingly frustrated by the disruptions. He questioned the value proposition for parents paying high tuition fees, given the perceived lack of consequences for disruptive behavior. He also criticized the university's leadership, expressing dissatisfaction with both former President Minouche Shafik and Interim President Katrina Armstrong.

Anti-Israel protesters demonstrated at Barnard College in February 2025. (Getty; X)

Anti-Israel student protesters demonstrate outside Barnard College in New York on Feb. 27, 2025. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

An anti-Israel demonstrator holds a flag on the rooftop of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University in New York on April 30, 2024. (Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Davidai suggests a solution involving removing faculty who openly support designated terrorist organizations and expelling students who endorse violence against Jews and Israelis, creating space for those focused on teaching and learning. He also highlighted an incident where a student intervened in his conversation with another faculty member, illustrating what he sees as undue student influence on faculty discourse.

Barnard College and Columbia University share a complex relationship, with Barnard historically serving as the women's college within the Columbia system. They continue to share academic resources and offer cross-registered courses. Columbia University publicly stated that disrupting academic activities is unacceptable. Interim President Armstrong condemned the January classroom disruption and an investigation was launched. Barnard President Laura Ann Rosenbury, in an op-ed, characterized the disruption as intimidation tactics contrary to the institution's mission.