Among them is Richard Li, a student who fled religious persecution in China as a Christian at the age of 12. He is now standing in solidarity with his Jewish classmates who feel threatened by the escalating tension.
"Oppression always starts with hatred. And hatred, time and time again, started with antisemitism, and that is what we're seeing on college campuses… on our college campus right now, right in front of our doorsteps. And it's very, very sad," Li stated during an interview on "Fox & Friends Weekend."
April 29, 2024
The university administration has taken action against the escalating situation, suspending at least seven student protesters who orchestrated an anti-Israel encampment on campus and refused to disperse even after the protest extended into its third day. One defiant protester gained attention after declaring that the group was "not going anywhere" 57 hours into the encampment.
WATCH: THE BEST KAMALA IMPRESSION AT A TRUMP RALLY
The trend of on-campus encampments has surged in American universities following the high-profile anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. In response to the heated demonstrations and the ensuing disruption to campus life, GWU announced a shift to virtual or hybrid learning formats for the remainder of the semester. This decision has sparked questions about potential tuition refunds, given that students are no longer attending full-time in-person classes.
WATCH: NFL LEGEND LAWRENCE TAYLOR ENDORSES TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT
The annual cost for an undergraduate student at Columbia University for the 2023-2024 academic year is projected to be nearly $90,000.
Sabrina Soffer, another GWU student, joined Li on "Fox & Friends Weekend" to discuss the impact of these protests on Jewish students. She described the constant barrage of political chants and confrontations from fellow students as a significant challenge.
DEBATE DRAMA: WILL TRUMP BAIL? 'VIEW' HOST SAYS ‘COUNT ON IT,’ DESPITE CONFIRMED DATES
"This has been going on for way too long. This has been 20 years in the making," Soffer said on Sunday.
Soffer also shared her personal experiences of feeling threatened and unsafe on campus. "I remember one night, I was shaking in my bed at midnight because I heard that there were some students who were after me, and I was really afraid with what to do."
DECEIVED AND DEPLOYED: HOW HUNDREDS OF SRI LANKANS WERE TRICKED INTO FIGHTING RUSSIA'S WAR
She further argued that the issue extends beyond the Jewish community, stating, "It's not only a Jewish problem, it is an American problem, because these people are not only chanting against the Jews, they're chanting against American values. And it really stems from the faculty; that is the root of this problem. They are indoctrinating kids with anti-Israel lies and hate. And this is where the problem starts. And it has to end with that problem, too."
Li concluded by suggesting that the U.S. education system has been "infiltrated" by Marxists and socialists over the "last 10 years," leading to a generation of Americans being indoctrinated into these ideologies. He warned, "Now that you're seeing a generation of Americans indoctrinated, and now they're basically closeted communists and outright antisemites, the schools, of course, haven't done anything about it. Because a lot of the instructors know they are themselves in these anti-Semitic protests. They're participating."
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
