Columbia Bars Professor Over Protest Harassment Claims

Columbia University has temporarily barred pro-Israel professor Shai Davidai from campus, citing his alleged harassment and intimidation of university employees during anti-Israel protests on October 7. Davidai, an assistant professor at Columbia's business school, claims the action is retaliatory, following his vocal opposition to the handling of these protests. Although Davidai's access to campus is restricted, he remains employed and compensated and can return after completing training on workplace conduct. Columbia maintains that Davidai's freedom of speech is respected, but it does not tolerate threatening behavior. Davidai has encouraged the public to view videos of the incidents to judge whether they constitute harassment. The university's decision has sparked discussion regarding its response to campus protests and its handling of free speech and intimidation claims.