As a mother and lifelong resident of New York City, I never imagined I would be afraid to send my children to college. Like many parents, I once dreamed of watching them walk through the gates of Columbia University. That dream has since become a nightmare.
In recent years, Columbia, one of America’s most respected universities, has become a center for what can only be called radical activism. This shift is not just about campus protests or free speech. It is about a deeper problem where support for violence is disguised as political expression.
On Columbia’s campus, chants like “Glory to the martyrs” and “From the river to the sea” have become common. Students have taken over buildings, including libraries, in the name of protest. Many of these slogans glorify the attacks of October 7, with some even defending them as acts of resistance. What’s more shocking is that many faculty members are standing with these protesters. They defend the actions and words not as hate speech, but as political opinion.
But this problem is no longer limited to college grounds. It is now moving into city streets, politics, and public leadership. A clear example of this shift is Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor.
Mamdani’s journey started not in government, but in student activism. While attending Bowdoin College, he co-founded the school’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. This group publicly defended Rasmea Odeh, a woman convicted for a bombing in Jerusalem that killed two young students. The group also hosted speakers who blamed America for the 9/11 attacks and justified terrorism as a form of resistance.
This radical ideology didn’t form in a vacuum. Mamdani is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, a senior professor at Columbia University. Professor Mamdani still holds a strong influence in academic circles. He serves as an adviser to the Gaza Tribunal, a group that calls for civil action against what it calls Israel’s genocide. This group spreads dangerous views under the cover of academic debate.
The rise of such figures into public office should alarm every parent and citizen. What starts in lecture halls can shape laws, school policies, and the safety of entire communities. The line between free speech and harmful ideology is blurring fast. And now, we are seeing the effects in our schools, streets, and city elections.
What worries me most is the growing silence around these issues. Many are afraid to speak out. They fear being labeled intolerant or anti-progressive. But staying quiet allows these views to grow unchecked. We must remember that democracy depends not only on free speech but also on a shared respect for truth and human life.
I never thought I would fear for my children’s safety at college. I never imagined I would question the values of those who may one day lead my city. But here we are.
This is not about politics or party lines. It is about protecting the future of our children and the soul of our city. We need leaders who reject violence in all forms and who speak with clarity and courage.
The movement from campus radicalism to City Hall must not be ignored. It is a warning, and we should take it seriously—before it’s too late.
