Columbia bans professor Shai Davidai for "harassing" staff over Israel protests

Outspoken Columbia business professor Shai Davidai was banned from campus after confronting anti-Israel protesters and school officials during demonstrations marking the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel.

Columbia University sent a letter to Davidai’s lawyer informing him that as of 3 p.m. Tuesday, his access to campus had been revoked after accusations of harassing at least five faculty members, violating university policies.

The letter, which Davidai shared with the New York Post, stated: “Threats of intimidation, harassment or other threatening behavior by University employees, including faculty members, will not be tolerated.”

Although Davidai is not currently teaching, as he is focused on research, the university said he could return to campus once he completes workplace conduct training and adheres to school policies.

Videos posted by Davidai on social media showed him confronting both school leaders and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, challenging officials to take action against the protestors as tensions escalated.