Robert Kraft hesitant to endorse Columbia amidst protests

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he’s “not comfortable” supporting Columbia University, his alma mater, due to the rise of pro-Palestinian protests over Israel’s war in Gaza.

In response to the Columbia demonstrations, Kraft shared a statement on Monday on why he is withdrawing his support for the university.

“It was through the full academic scholarship Columbia gave me that I was able to attend college and get my start in life, and for that, I have been tremendously grateful,” he said. “However, the school I love so much — the one that welcomed me and provided me with so much opportunity — is no longer an institution I recognize.”

“I am deeply saddened at the virulent hate that continues to grow on campus and throughout our country,” he added. “I am no longer confident that Columbia can protect its students and staff, and I am not comfortable supporting the university until corrective action is taken.”

Kraft is a 1963 graduate of the university and also the founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. The campus’s Jewish life office is named the Kraft Center.

“It is my hope that Columbia and its leadership will stand up to this hate by ending these protests immediately and will work to earn back the respect and trust of the many of us who have lost faith in the institution,” he said.

Columbia University announced on Monday that all classes would be conducted virtually due to safety concerns over surging tensions on campus. An Orthodox rabbi had warned Jewish students to stay home due to “extreme antisemitism.” Last week, police arrested more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators on campus.

Columbia President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik has been facing calls for her resignation.

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Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said in a statement on Sunday that the university has been an “abject failure” in enforcing its campus rules and protecting Jewish students on campus.

“President Shafik must immediately resign,” Stefanik said. “And the Columbia Board must appoint a President who will protect Jewish students and enforce school policies.”