The daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI), Irsa Hirsi, was suspended from Barnard College for taking part in the anti-Israel protests at its partner school, Columbia University, she announced in a social media post.
“I’m an organizer with CU Apartheid Divest @ColumbiaSJP, in my 3 years at @BarnardCollege i have never been reprimanded or received any disciplinary warnings,” Hirsi tweeted. “I just received notice that i am 1 of 3 students suspended for standing in solidarity with Palestinians facing a genocide.”
In a followup tweet, Hirsi admitted that she took part in the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” which consists of protesters with tents occupying part of the university’s campus, a violation of school rules.
“Those of us in Gaza Solidarity Encampment will not be intimidated,” Hirsi said. “We will stand resolute until our demands are met. our demands include divestment from companies complicit in genocide, transparency of @Columbia’s investments and FULL amnesty for all students facing repression.”
Yesterday, Omar tweeted that she hopes the students who were being threatened with arrest and suspension are not “criminalized,” without disclosing that her daughter was one of the students. It’s unclear whether she was aware of her daughter’s participation.
“Columbia has always had an incredible history of students fighting for a more just world and it’s good to see that tradition continue,” the Congresswoman tweeted. “As NYPD surrounds young activists, I hope their concerns are heard by school administrators and they not be criminalized. In solidarity.”
