Columbia University confirmed on Tuesday the suspension of Shai Davidai, an assistant professor of business and pro-Israel advocate, due to allegations of harassment and intimidation directed at university staff, as reported by Fox News. 

The university stated that the suspension was a "direct result of Assistant Professor Davidai’s conduct on October 7, 2024," although it did not provide specific details regarding the incident. 

Davidai contended that the university's action was a form of retaliation for his participation in the protests that took place on that date. He expressed his frustration, saying, "The University has decided to not allow me to be on campus anymore. My job. Why? Because of Oct. 7. Because I was not afraid to stand up to the hateful mob," as reported by the Columbia Daily Spectator. 

During the protests, he had filmed himself challenging university administrators. 

University spokesperson Samantha Slater defended the institution's position, asserting, "Columbia has consistently and continually respected Assistant Professor Davidai's right to free speech and to express his views. His freedom of speech has not been limited and is not being limited now." 

However, she noted that Davidai's actions breached university policy, stating, "Because Assistant Professor Davidai repeatedly harassed and intimidated University employees in violation of University policy, we have temporarily limited his access to campus while he undertakes appropriate training." 

Slater also clarified that while Davidai is not teaching this semester, he has not been dismissed from his role and will continue to receive his salary. He will regain access to campus upon completing the required training on university policies.

"Education, training, access restrictions and other measures are available and used by the University when faculty and other employees violate University policy," Slater added. 

"As in other cases, our expectation is that Assistant Professor Davidai will successfully complete the training and promptly return to campus."

Davidai expressed frustration over the situation, telling The Spectator, "I’m the only professor who’s been suspended. Think about all the professors, everything that they’ve done. You know, people that have said and posted horrible things, and yet I’m the only one suspended."

Davidai expressed frustration over the situation, telling The Spectator, "I’m the only professor who’s been suspended. Think about all the professors, everything that they’ve done. You know, people that have said and posted horrible things, and yet I’m the only one suspended."

He further stated, "It’s no longer a double standard. There’s basically no standard for when it comes to Jewish life on campus."

Following the decision, Davidai took to X, writing, "I don't care about my future. It's never been about me. I care about @Columbia's future. I care about what this acceptance of anti-Jewish, anti-Israeli, and anti-American terrorism means for the students on campus."

This isn't the first time Davidai faced restrictions on campus. In April, his keycard was deactivated after he planned a pro-Israel demonstration. 

"I have, not just a civil right, a civil right as a Jewish person to be on campus.

“I have a right as a professor employed by the university to be on campus," Davidai said in a video during the April incident.