Congresswoman Tenney Questions Assistant Attorney General on Impartiality Amid Anti-Semitic Protests at Columbia University

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, demanding that she explain how she will ensure impartiality should she be responsible for investigating and prosecuting the violent anti-Semitic protests at Columbia University.

As Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Clarke has the duty to investigate and enforce the law against the dangerous protestors at Columbia University after the Department of Education completes their investigation. Yet given her extensive connections to well-known anti-Semites and strong ties to Columbia University that extend far beyond those of a traditional alumna, including being slated to be the graduation speaker for Columbia Law School, this letter raises serious concerns about her ability to enforce the law against Columbia University impartially. 

This letter was signed by House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), as well as Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY), Keith Self (R-TX), and Bill Posey (R-FL).

“In recent days, our country has watched in horror as hundreds of violent protestors have swarmed Columbia University calling for the death of Jewish students while voicing their support for Hamas,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “While we must protect the sanctity of free speech, we cannot allow this dangerous and violent rhetoric to go unpunished and must ensure that those prosecuting these protestors do so impartially. Due to Assistant Attorney General Clarke’s known support of anti-Semites and ties to Columbia University, we question her ability to investigate these Title VI violations properly. I urge Clarke to promptly respond to our questions and voice her unequivocal support of Columbia’s Jewish students.”

The lawmakers demanded answers to the following questions from the Honorable Kristen Clarke by May 13, 2024: 

1. Will the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division support an investigation by the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights into Title VI violations by Columbia University? If not, why?
2. Will the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division prosecute individuals threatening and attacking Jewish students, such as the attack against Sahar Tartak at Yale University? If not, why?
3. Will your office abide by Executive Order 13899, which requires the consideration of the IHRA definition of anti- Semitism when prosecuting Title VI cases pertaining to anti-Semitism? If not, why?
4. Do you disavow your affiliation with Ms. Sarsour and Ms. Mallory? If not, why do you continue to maintain relationships with these well-known anti-Semites?
5. Do you disavow your previous comments regarding Mr. Martin and his ideology? Do you still believe that he “bases his information on indisputable fact?”
6. Do you believe that your attendance at Columbia University, the relationships you formed with the professors and administrators, and the fact that you were employed by Columbia Law School pose a conflict of interest?
7. Do you still intend to speak at graduation given the horrifying campus environment that currently exists? Do you believe that speaking at Columbia University at this time aligns with your values?

Read the full text of the letter here.

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