Rep. Anthony D’Esposito to host Columbia University commencement for local residents after cancellation deemed ‘appalling’

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a GOP lawmaker from Long Island, is advocating for a separate commencement ceremony for constituents graduating from Columbia University after the school decided to cancel its official celebration. In a letter to university President Minouche Shafik, D’Esposito expressed his desire to give students in his district the graduation ceremony they deserve, emphasizing the importance of this milestone in their lives. He criticized Columbia for canceling the ceremony, highlighting the hard work and investment students put into earning their degrees.

D’Esposito requested a list of Columbia students from his Congressional District so that he could work with community leaders to facilitate a proper graduation ceremony for them. He accused the university’s leadership of failing the students and pledged not to let them down as well. The decision to cancel the commencement festivities came after weeks of anti-Israel protests on campus, including the establishment of a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” by Hamas-endorsed demonstrators. Jewish students and faculty felt unsafe, and in-person classes were disrupted.

The cancellation of the commencement ceremony was met with criticism, especially considering that the class of 2024 had already experienced disrupted high school graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials, including Mayor Eric Adams’ spokesman Fabien Levy, expressed outrage at the protestors who disrupted the event, preventing students from experiencing this significant moment in their academic journey. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also lamented the actions of the protestors and the impact on their classmates.

NYPD officers cleared the anti-Israel encampment and arrested over 100 protestors who occupied Hamilton Hall. Calls for President Shafik’s resignation have come from various political figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and all New York Republicans in Congress. D’Esposito, in his letter, criticized Shafik’s leadership, citing an inability to maintain order on campus, ensure student safety, and prevent hate-filled violence. Columbia University has not yet responded to requests for comments on the situation. The situation highlights the complexities of balancing free speech with ensuring safety and respect for all members of the community.