ACF-Columbia Urges Investigation After CUAD Post Advocating Violence

Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) is raising concerns after a coalition linked to anti-Israel campus activism at Columbia University posted “Death to America” in Farsi on its X account over the weekend, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The post came from Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a coalition made up of more than 80 Columbia student groups, including Students for Justice in Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, Student Workers of Columbia, and Columbia Social Workers for Palestine. CUAD helped organize the 2024 anti-Israel encampment and related demonstrations on campus, some of which escalated into violence. The coalition’s Instagram account was disabled last year for promoting violent content.

Columbia University shared that “the group that calls itself CUAD is not a recognized student group, or affiliated in any way with the university,” and asserted that those behind the account are “illegally using the Columbia name.” In July 2025, Columbia announced it would no longer recognize CUAD as an official student group, shortly before reaching a settlement with the federal government to restore funding amid investigations into the university’s handling of antisemitism.

ACF-Columbia Chapter Leader Rina Eidelberg emphasized the seriousness of rhetoric that promotes violence, stating, “The use of language advocating violence is deeply concerning. We urge Columbia to investigate the CUAD account and identify any current students, faculty, or recognized student organizations that may be involved. If any individuals or groups are found to be associated, the university must uphold its policies and take appropriate action in accordance with its established standards of conduct.”

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.