In response to the recent surge of protests on college campuses, Robert Canfield expressed his concerns and outlined his stance on the matter. “While I firmly believe in the rights to assembly and freedom of speech, the propagation of hate and threats towards students based on their faith or ethnicity is wholly unacceptable,” stated Canfield.

Mr. Canfield urged Governor Murphy to take decisive actions to ensure campus safety and uphold educational integrity. “Students who engage in such reprehensible behavior should face serious consequences. I propose they be expelled from all educational institutions in New Jersey, stripped of state aid, and face federal charges. This includes a recommendation to the Federal Student Aid program to render them ineligible for future aid,” he elaborated. “Anyone who is here on a student Visa should have that Visa revoked and be deported back to their homeland.”

Canfield’s call for accountability extends to the administrative echelons of educational institutions that fail to curb these incidents. “Leadership at any institution allowing such acts must be held accountable. This means immediate termination of positions, from the President to Trustees and all senior administrators. Our state must stand firm against hate and anti-Semitism,” he added.

Highlighting the proactive measures needed, Canfield commended New Jersey colleges for not experiencing disturbances on the scale of those at places like Columbia University. He emphasized the need for university administrators to collaborate closely with security forces and the State Police to prevent unauthorized and potentially harmful individuals from entering campus premises.

“Let us ensure that our educational environments remain places of safety and respect, reflecting the values we cherish in New Jersey,” concluded Canfield.