COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK – As a veteran who has served my country with pride and honor, I find it deeply disheartening to witness the erosion of our values and principles in the face of intimidation and coercion. The decision by Columbia University to cancel its university-wide commencement ceremony in exchange for smaller, decentralized events is not just a logistical adjustment; it’s a surrender to forces that seek to undermine the very fabric of our society.
Let’s be unequivocal: the recent surge of anti-Israel protests on college campuses, including at Columbia University, is not merely a display of dissent or advocacy. It’s a calculated attempt to silence opposing viewpoints and impose a singular narrative through fear and intimidation. By acquiescing to these pressures, universities are sending a dangerous message that mob rule can dictate the course of events.
The rationale provided by Columbia University officials, citing security concerns arising from the protests, only underscores the gravity of the situation. It’s alarming to think that a small group of agitators can wield such influence, compelling an esteemed institution to forsake its longstanding traditions and compromise the safety of its community. What does this signal to graduating students who are on the brink of entering the real world?
Graduation symbolizes a significant milestone, a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth. For the graduating class, who have already weathered the storm of nearly two years of disrupted schooling due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the cancellation of a university-wide commencement ceremony feels like yet another injustice. These young adults have endured so much uncertainty and upheaval, only to be deprived of a proper send-off into the next phase of their lives.
But the ramifications extend far beyond the immediate disappointment of the graduating class. By yielding to the demands of fringe groups, universities are setting a dangerous precedent that undermines the principles of free speech, academic freedom, and intellectual diversity. They are allowing ideological extremists to dictate campus policies and activities, stifling genuine dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of fear and intolerance.
We cannot allow our republic to be held hostage by the whims of a vocal minority. We must stand up for the principles of democracy, justice, and individual rights that form the bedrock of our society. That means resisting attempts to silence dissenting voices, even when those voices are unpopular or contentious.
On Monday, May 6th, Former President Donald Trump addresses the press outside the courtroom at Manhattan criminal court, surrounded by the buzz of cameras and reporters eager to capture his words. (AP/Julia Nikhinson/POOL)
President Trump’s recent remarks outside his trial in New York City shed light on the political motivations behind some of these protests. While I don’t always see eye-to-eye with President Trump, his assertion that many protesters are backed by donors with partisan agendas is troubling. It suggests that what we’re witnessing is not merely a grassroots movement for social justice, but a calculated effort to advance a particular political agenda at the expense of genuine dialogue and understanding.
Reports indicating that President Biden’s biggest Democratic donors, including figures like George Soros and the Rockefeller family, are funding some of these anti-Israel protests only add fuel to the fire. While everyone has the right to support causes they believe in, it’s concerning when those causes are hijacked to sow division and discord rather than promote genuine peace and understanding.
As we confront the challenges posed by terrorism, both at home and abroad, it’s imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to freedom, justice, and the rule of law. We cannot allow fear and intimidation to dictate the course of our society. We must stand firm in defense of our values and principles, resisting tyranny in all its forms.
Finally, the decision by Columbia University to cancel its university-wide commencement ceremony represents a troubling capitulation to forces that seek to undermine the very essence of our republic. It’s a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism is not confined to distant battlefields; it’s a struggle for the soul of our nation. As veterans, as citizens, as guardians of freedom, it’s incumbent upon us to stand up and speak out against tyranny in all its manifestations. We must not let fear and intimidation gain a foothold in our society. We must remain vigilant in defense of our republic, now and always.
“The Don’t Unfriend Me Show” explores a broad range of political themes, from satire to serious topics, with Matt Speer, a Navy Intel veteran, husband, and father, leading the show. Matt shares his views to stimulate constructive discussions. The show aims to provide a balanced perspective on complex issues, welcoming participants of all political affiliations to share their unique viewpoints.
One thought on “Columbia University’s Commencement Cancelled: A Veteran’s Perspective”