Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has voiced his concerns regarding the ongoing antisemitic protests and violence on college campuses, calling on President Biden to take action to put an end to the disturbing trend. In a recent statement, Senator Kennedy highlighted the need for swift intervention, stating, “President Biden could stop this stuff on a dime.”

During a joint effort with Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and other colleagues to address the issue, Senator Kennedy expressed his dismay at the current state of affairs, particularly on college campuses. He pointed out the prevalence of a "rule by the mob" in some institutions, criticizing the lack of consequences for such behavior when carried out by certain groups. Senator Kennedy emphasized the importance of upholding free speech while also addressing disruptive behavior that goes against the principles of democracy.

Acknowledging the efforts of certain universities in managing these challenges, Senator Kennedy commended the leadership of institutions like Vanderbilt, Tulane, and the University of Florida for their commitment to protecting free speech and maintaining order on their campuses. He also highlighted the role of faculty members in perpetuating divisive ideologies, noting that some professors promote harmful beliefs and seek to silence those who disagree with them.

Senator Kennedy proposed a direct approach to tackling the issue, suggesting that President Biden could make a significant impact by holding universities accountable for their handling of campus unrest. He stated, “President Biden could stop this stuff on a dime...All he would have to do is pick up the phone and call the president of Columbia University quietly and say, ‘Madam President…You’ve got 14 days to get control of your campus, or you’re not getting any more federal money.’” However, Senator Kennedy expressed skepticism about the current administration's willingness to take such decisive action, attributing it to political considerations.

In conclusion, Senator Kennedy’s remarks underscore the urgent need for intervention to address antisemitic protests on college campuses and ensure that universities uphold the values of free speech and tolerance.