In a dramatic turn of events, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and other members of the far-left “Squad” are facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly inciting anti-Israel protests at Columbia University earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed by five Columbia students, accuses the progressive lawmakers and various anti-Israel groups of orchestrating demonstrations that devolved into hostile and anti-Semitic attacks.
The protests, which raged for weeks at the prestigious Ivy League institution, were marked by allegations of harassment and intimidation against Jewish students. The lawsuit targets not only AOC but also Rep. Jamal Bowman (D-NY), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and nearly a dozen anti-Israel organizations involved in the protests.
According to the lawsuit, the “Gaza Encampment” was not only illegal but also an outrageous violation of university rules. The encampment reportedly involved harassment, physical blocking, and bullying of Jewish students. One of the plaintiffs, identified as “Tim Doe,” recounted his distressing experience amidst the protests. Doe, who is Jewish, described being singled out and physically shoved by a protest leader simply for wearing a yarmulke. “During the protests, I saw numerous offensive and anti-Semitic signs,” Doe recounted, “including posters with the Star of David depicted in a derogatory manner.”
The lawsuit highlights the broader impact of the protests on Columbia’s 36,000 students. It criticizes the disruptive behavior of protestors and the failure of university authorities to maintain order, thereby hindering students’ right to education and safety. “These were real damages sustained by students who simply wanted to attend class and pursue their education,” the lawsuit claims.
Earlier this year, the controversy surrounding AOC’s involvement in the Columbia protests garnered significant attention. Columbia professor Shai Davidai, who faced backlash for hosting a pro-Israel event, harshly criticized Ocasio-Cortez. “AOC is an agent of chaos,” Davidai stated. “I look forward to my kids and grandkids reading about this chapter in history and seeing her name on the list of rabid anti-Semites.” Davidai further lambasted other critics of Israel, accusing them of lying and aligning with anti-Semitic rhetoric.
In response to the protests, Ocasio-Cortez condemned the use of law enforcement against the demonstrators. “Deploying police to nonviolent student protests is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act,” she argued. “It represents a horrific failure of leadership that puts lives at risk.” She specifically denounced the involvement of New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) Strategic Response Group (SRG), known for its controversial tactics. “NYPD had promised not to deploy SRG to protests, so why are these counterterror units here?” AOC questioned.
As the lawsuit progresses, it underscores the growing tension between radical political activism and traditional values of free speech and safety on college campuses. The case will likely test the boundaries of protest and the responsibilities of public figures in influencing campus unrest.
