Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is facing a censure resolution after making controversial comments about Jewish students during a visit to Columbia University. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., accuses Omar of using slanderous language that could incite violence against the Jewish community.
Omar’s remarks came during a visit to a demonstration at Columbia University, where students were protesting the school’s financial ties to pro-Israel companies. The progressive Democrat expressed solidarity with the pro-Palestinian protesters but sparked outrage with her comments about Jewish students.
Bacon’s resolution also points to Omar’s history of what he calls “hateful rhetoric” that perpetuates antisemitic stereotypes. The move to censure Omar comes amid escalating tensions at college campuses across the country, where clashes between students and police have led to injuries on both sides.
Omar’s office has pushed back against the resolution, accusing critics of trying to distract from ongoing violence and genocide in Gaza. The controversy surrounding Omar’s comments highlights the deep divisions over Israel and Palestine within the Democratic Party and on college campuses.
As the debate over Omar’s remarks continues, Jewish students at Columbia and other schools are expressing concerns about their safety on campus. The resolution against Omar is expected to further fuel the debate over free speech, antisemitism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
