A pro-Israel professor at Columbia University has been temporarily banned from the campus due to allegations of harassing and intimidating other employees. Shai Davidai, an assistant professor at the university’s business school, had his campus access restricted as of Tuesday after reportedly engaging in repeated instances of harassment and intimidation towards colleagues.
According to university spokesperson Ben Chang, Davidai, who is an Israeli citizen, has been a vocal critic of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, accusing school officials of failing to address what he perceives as antisemitic behaviour. He was also involved in leading pro-Israel counterprotests at Columbia last spring. On social media platform X, Davidai has accused pro-Palestinian student groups of supporting terrorism and has been vocal about his views towards the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Chang clarified that while the professor’s freedom of speech has always been respected, the decision to restrict his campus access was a direct response to his behaviour on October 7, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel. The university maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards intimidation, harassment, or threatening behaviour by its employees.
Davidai, who is not teaching this semester, has not been suspended from his faculty position and his compensation remains unaffected by the disciplinary action. However, he is required to undergo a training program on the university’s employee conduct policies before his campus access is reinstated. Chang emphasised that education, training, and other corrective measures are typically implemented when faculty members violate university policies.
In response to the ban, Davidai expressed his disappointment via social media posts, highlighting his concerns about what he perceives as acceptance of anti-Jewish, anti-Israeli, and anti-American sentiments on campus. He insinuated that his suspension was a form of retaliation for his outspoken views and actions during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
The university has made it clear that while Davidai’s freedom of speech is upheld, any form of behaviour that goes against the university’s policies will not be tolerated. The professor will have the opportunity to complete the required training and, upon successful completion, will be permitted to return to campus. The ongoing situation underscores the complexities and challenges universities face in balancing academic freedom and maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of the community.