Conservative Judges Boycott Columbia Law Grads Over Anti-Israel Protests

In a move that underscores the deepening divide between academia and certain segments of the judiciary, a group of conservative federal judges in the United States has announced a boycott against graduates from Columbia University's law school. This decision comes in the wake of the university's handling of anti-Israel protests on its campus, sparking a debate over free speech, academic freedom, and the politicization of legal education. The group, comprising 13 judges appointed during the Trump administration, expressed their discontent in a letter to Columbia's President Minouche Shafik, stating that the institution's response to the protests was inadequate and demonstrated a lack of support for Israel. This stance by the judges is seen as an unprecedented move in the legal community, raising questions about the potential impact on Columbia's law students and the broader implications for judicial impartiality and the recruitment of law clerks. Critics of the boycott argue that it unfairly penalizes students for the actions of their institution and could undermine the diversity of thought and experience in the judiciary. However, supporters of the judges' decision argue that it is a necessary stand against what they perceive as a growing anti-Israel sentiment in higher education. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how this boycott will affect Columbia Law School's standing and its graduates' future prospects in a highly competitive legal market.