Columbia University Investigates Controversial Student Newspaper Amid Criticism

[Social Media]

 

Columbia University has launched an investigation into a controversial student newspaper titled *The Columbia Intifada*, which has sparked significant backlash. The university disavowed the publication, emphasizing that its association with the institution’s name and its messaging are unacceptable.  

 

Columbia University is so embedded in Anti-Israel propaganda that it has a publication entitled “The Columbia Intifada.”  What is needed in our society is a revolution of the responsible against the Intifada idiocy of the far left.

Columbia University is so embedded in Anti-Israel propaganda that it has a publication entitled “The Columbia Intifada.”

What is needed in our society is a revolution of the responsible against the Intifada idiocy of the far left. pic.twitter.com/jITHsnZU2o

— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@RepRitchie) December 30, 2024

 

The term "intifada," derived from Arabic, signifies a rebellion and has been historically associated with Palestinian uprisings against Israel. The phrase has gained renewed prominence among pro-Palestinian activists during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.  

 

 

According to its social media presence, the newspaper is linked to the Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (Columbia SJP), a student organization that was suspended for the 2023-24 academic year following pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The paper’s November edition includes articles with provocative titles such as “Zionist peace means Palestinian blood” and “The myth of the ‘two state solution.’” The masthead features the quote, “you, genocider — who remembers you?”  

 

The publication was publicly endorsed by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), which promotes itself as a New York City-based organization supporting Palestinian liberation. CUAD announced the release of the newspaper via Instagram, stating: “Columbia SJP’s first ever print paper ‘The Columbia Intifada’ is available at today’s READ-IN at BUTLER LIBRARY 301! We’re distributing 1,000 copies — get them while you can! From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”  

 

In response, Columbia University issued a strongly worded statement condemning the association of its name with the publication, saying, “Using the Columbia name for a publication that glorifies violence and makes individuals in our community feel targeted in any way is a breach of our values. As we have said repeatedly, discrimination and promoting violence or terror is not acceptable and antithetical to what our community stands for.” The university added that it is investigating the matter through its appropriate offices and policies.  

 

The paper has also drawn criticism from political and organizational leaders. Representative Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., expressed his disapproval on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Columbia University is so embedded in Anti-Israel propaganda that it has a publication entitled ‘The Columbia Intifada.’ What is needed in our society is a revolution of the responsible against the Intifada idiocy of the far left.”  

 

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, also criticized the publication, calling it “beyond offensive.” He stated, “It’s a provocation. It’s an incitement. It’s a not-so-veiled threat against Jewish & Israeli students. Columbia can’t just condemn; the administration must hold the culprits accountable.”  

 

The controversy has brought national attention to Columbia University, highlighting tensions over free speech, campus activism, and the broader implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

Based on a report by NBC 2024-12-31