Interview Opportunity with Zach Kessel, National Review Institute
Columbia University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik’s recent testimony before the House Education and Workforce Committee has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions in the spotlight of ongoing debates over campus antisemitism.
During a session focused on “Columbia University’s Response to Antisemitism,” Democrat Representative Ilhan Omar inquired of President Shafik if she witnessed anti-Jewish protests on campus. She promptly denied having witnessed any such thing. This stands in stark contrast to the experiences of many within the university.
Zach Kessel, a keen observer and critic of DEI bureaucracy in higher education and a prominent voice on issues of antisemitism, offers his insights. Kessel’s article in National Review is titled, “‘Baffling’: Columbia Students React as President Fails to Describe Campus Protests as Antisemitic. The April 17 article critically examines President Shafik’s testimony and its implications. Welcome to the program, Zach.
Suggested Questions:
- Zach, Democrat Ilhan Omar asked Columbia University President Shafik during the congressional hearing whether she had seen anti-Jewish protests on Columbia’s campus. She inexplicably answered that she had not. How can that be? Is she playing word games reminiscent of the seminal moment when Bill Clinton could not define the word ‘is’?
- Could you discuss the key points of your article in the National Review regarding President Shafik’s testimony and the campus’s reaction?
- How does the disparity between President Shafik’s testimony and the lived experiences of Jewish students and faculty at Columbia complicate the university’s response to antisemitism?
- Given the evidence presented during the hearing, including the video of protests, what are the implications for understanding and combating campus antisemitism?
- Following your article, how have Columbia students and the broader academic community reacted to President Shafik’s statements?
- What responsibilities do university administrations have in openly recognizing and addressing incidents of antisemitism on their campuses?
- Considering President Shafik’s testimony, what measures are necessary to ensure a supportive and inclusive environment for Jewish students at Columbia?
- How do these recent events at Columbia University reflect on the more significant issue of antisemitism in higher education institutions across the U.S.?
- How do such campus dynamics impact U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding relations with Israel?
10) Where can viewers and readers access more of your insights on this topic and related issues?
About Zach Kessel:
Zach Kessel is a William F. Buckley Fellow in Political Journalism at the National Review Institute. His critical analysis and investigative reporting on antisemitism, DEI bureaucracy in higher education, and U.S. foreign policy challenges provide a comprehensive view of the issues facing institutions like Columbia University.
CONTACT: To arrange an interview, please get in touch with Jerry McGlothlin at 919-437-0001 or jerry@specialguests.com.
Link: https://www.nationalreview.com/news/columbia-president-tells-congress-antisemitic-prof-no-longer-runs-committee-but-website-still-lists-him-as-chairman/
