[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 30, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PROTESTS AND STUDENTS

  (Mr. ESPAILLAT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I represent the district where Columbia 
University is located, and as protests have continued to escalate, I 
have had the opportunity to meet with many Jewish students on the 
Columbia campus.
  I strongly believe that the ability to peacefully protest is a 
fundamental American value, and I support a student's ability to free 
expression. However, instances of anti-Semitic hate speech have left 
these students feeling scared and alone. I want to tell them tonight: 
You are not alone.
  However, vandalism, breaking the law, and anti-Semitism aren't part 
of peaceful protesting. As the recent escalation has disrupted campus 
life and placed students in harm's way, the university must immediately 
prioritize providing safety and order for all students on campus.
  As Members of Congress, we have a duty to pass meaningful legislation 
to protect students and all Americans against anti-Semitism and other 
forms of hate, and we will do that.

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