Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, recently revealed that she was suspended from Barnard College after taking part in a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University.
Hirsi, who is known as an organizer with CU Apartheid Divest at Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), expressed her shock at the suspension, stating that she had never faced disciplinary actions during her three years at Barnard.
In a post on X, Hirsi stated that she received notice of her suspension along with two other students for standing in solidarity with Palestinians despite the ongoing conflict.
Isra Hirsi (Credits: Fox News)
She emphasized her commitment to the cause, declaring that the Gaza Solidarity Encampment would not be intimidated and would continue advocating for their demands, which include divestment from companies complicit in genocide and transparency regarding Columbia’s investments.
The protest Hirsi participated in involved setting up a tent encampment on the South Lawn of Columbia’s campus to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza.
Ilhan Omar’s daughter (Credits: VICE)
However, Barnard College officials intervened, asking Barnard students involved in the encampment to leave and warning them of potential sanctions if they remained.
The suspension of Hirsi and others has sparked discussions about free speech and activism on college campuses, particularly regarding contentious political issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that the disciplinary actions taken against the students infringe on their rights to protest and express their opinions.
