Clinton: Columbia Handled Campus Antisemitism Properly

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defended Columbia University’s response to recent antisemitism on campus, saying the institution “handled it well.” Speaking at a cultural center in Manhattan, Clinton said the university admitted its mistakes and pledged to correct them without government intervention.

“They said, ‘We’ll make the corrections ourselves. We’re not going to let the government impose them,’” said Clinton, who currently lectures at the university.

She also criticized what she called “Trump’s attack” on Columbia, emphasizing the need to distinguish between legitimate protest and unlawful actions. “There’s a difference between protest and occupying buildings. That’s not free speech,” she said.

Clinton warned that President Donald Trump is exploring legal pathways that would allow him to run for a third term. “The best response to that would be for Barack Obama and Bill Clinton to run too,” she added.

Earlier, Clinton had noted that many students are poorly informed about antisemitism and the Holocaust and called for greater educational efforts.

Columbia University has faced widespread criticism and protests over the war in Gaza. In August 2024, University President Minouche Shafik resigned. In response, Columbia formed a task force on antisemitism and increased campus security.