NEW YORK, USA: Shai Davidai, a Columbia University assistant professor, has been temporarily barred from the campus following allegations of harassment and intimidation of other staff members.
Davidai, an outspoken supporter of Israel, has been vocal against pro-Palestinian protests, criticizing university officials for not taking a stronger stance on what he perceives as antisemitic demonstrations. He was involved in leading pro-Israel counterprotests and has garnered attention on social media, accusing pro-Palestinian student groups of supporting terrorism.
The university emphasized that Davidai’s temporary campus access restriction was not related to his views but to his conduct, particularly on October 7, 2023.
Despite the restriction, his faculty position and salary remain unaffected. Columbia noted that Davidai would need to complete a training program on appropriate conduct before being allowed back on campus.
Davidai took to social media to express his frustration, stating the action was retaliation for his confrontations with university officials. While the university respects freedom of speech, it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or intimidation by employees.
