Rep. Ilhan Omar's Daughter Suspended from Barnard College for Involvement in Anti-Israel Protests

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
18/04/2024 20h14

Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi, has revealed that she has been suspended from Barnard College for her participation in anti-Israel protests on Columbia University's campus. In a post on social media, Hirsi, who is an organizer with CU Apartheid Divest Columbia, stated that she received notice of her suspension along with two other students who stood in solidarity with Palestinians.

The protests, which began on Wednesday, saw dozens of anti-Israel activists setting up an encampment on the main lawn to protest against Israel's war on Hamas. The demonstrations soon turned fiery, with calls for an intifada and the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rep. Omar raised concerns during a hearing on Capitol Hill about an "attack" at the anti-Israel protest at Columbia University, referring to it as an incident involving a "toxic chemical substance." However, court documents reveal that the substance in question was actually a non-toxic flatulence spray called "Liquid A--" and "Wet Farts."

Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York suggested a connection between Rep. Omar's questioning of Columbia's president and her daughter's suspension. He expressed his concerns on social media, stating, "The day after @IlhanMN questioned Columbia leadership's commitment to free academic expression, the school suspended her daughter? It's clear what is happening here. Our educational institutions should not be in the business of political reprisals."

Meanwhile, Columbia University clarified its stance on the situation, stating, "Students who are participating in the unauthorized encampment are suspended. We are continuing to identify them and will be sending out formal notifications." Barnard College also released a statement confirming that they had placed identified students remaining in the encampment on interim suspension.

Many students have expressed their shock at the intensity of the protests, describing the campus atmosphere as almost a "war zone." The situation has garnered attention and Fox News reached out to both Columbia and Barnard for comment.

As the controversy surrounding the anti-Israel protests and Rep. Omar's daughter's suspension unfolds, the debate over academic freedom and the boundaries of political expression on college campuses is once again thrust into the spotlight.

Hannah Grossman, a reporter at Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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