In a striking display of misguided priorities, Zoran Mandani, the polling front runner in the New York City Democratic primary for mayor, defended Columbia University protesters who recently took a destructive stance on campus. These students, ostensibly honoring the memory of a six-year-old Palestinian girl, engaged in behavior that could only be described as reminiscent of a college flash mob gone wrong. Instead of honoring the tragic loss of life, these actions have resulted in broken windows, disrupted learning, and an erosion of respect for institutions of higher education.
Mandani commended these students for “forcing many of us to reckon with what’s happening,” which raises the question: what exactly are we reckoning with? If tearing up campus property and obstructing education is the path to social awareness, then perhaps students should consider picking up a book instead. Ill-informed protests have historically been a hallmark of college life. Still, in this case, they cross a line from passionate expression to outright chaos. Such actions undermine the very purpose of a university and disrespect both the institution and every individual who records their attendance with the hope of knowledge acquisition.
Moreover, Mandani went so far as to suggest that the New York City Police Department (NYPD) shares tactics with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This unfounded comparison not only oversimplifies complex geopolitical realities, but it also dismisses the crucial role law enforcement plays in maintaining order and safety in a city that has seen its fair share of unrest. While civic discourse is essential, it should not devolve into accusations that have no basis in reality. If police officers are actively preventing harm to citizens, they deserve our support, not scorn.
To create positive change, citizens must engage in constructive discussions rather than resorting to anarchy. Mandani’s comments reflect a troubling acceptance of violence in place of reasoned dialogue. If the people of New York City wish to endorse this radical behavior, they might be setting themselves up for an uncomfortable reality. There’s a saying that democracy is the theory that people get what they deserve, and if New Yorkers elect leaders who support pandemonium over peace, then they may soon find themselves facing the consequences of their choices.
In essence, leadership should promote accountability and education, not chaos and destruction. When elected officials condone such actions, they only serve to further divide their communities. As New Yorkers consider their next mayor, they must ask themselves whether they want a leader who defends the disruption of higher education or one who seeks genuine solutions to social issues. The choice implies much more than just a preference for civility; it shapes the future of the city itself. So, as the primary approaches, perhaps it’s time for voters to reconsider who truly deserves their support—and it ought to be those who champion wisdom, responsibility, and order over riotous demonstrations.
