Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong has been called to testify before The U.S. Congress on May 7, citing alleged antisemitism and mishandling pro-Palestinian activism. Armstrong is one of three university presidents who the Committee of Education and the Workforce are set to hear from, joining DePaul University and Haverford College.
The three schools all received a failing grade on their report cards from the Anti-Defamation League on handling of antisemitism.
Titled, “Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses,” the hearing will begin on May 7, 7:15 a.m. PT and will be live streamed on the Committee’s YouTube.
We talked to Cal Poly students to see how they feel about their president testifying before Congress. Many weren’t aware at all.
“I don’t think he is doing a great job so far. I know even with this movement and also, Pro-Palestinian and even with recent immigration protests, he’s very, I guess, ignorant to the whole point of people’s advocating.”
Jessica Avendano, agricultural business freshman
“I believe that antiquating pro-Palestinian protests to antisemitism is an embarrassment. All I can hope for is that he does not embarrass us and actually be a Zionist on a national stage.”
Marley Paltiel, mechanical engineering senior
“I hope that President Armstrong can represent student interests correctly. Students deserve the right to say what’s on their mind”
Mel Nguy, business administration junior
“I think not just students, [but] anyone should have a right to protest, even for pro-[Palestinian causes] or pro-Israel [causes]. The fact that he’s being called to Congress because they’re not happy with him letting that happen honestly, I’m not too for that.”
Patrick Brooks, general engineering junior
“I think that’s really crazy and kind of embarrassing to be at a school, that’s like, the only school, CSU that’s ever experienced anything like this. I definitely will stay tuned now that I know about it.”
Ava Saccone, liberal studies freshman
“I don’t think it really matters what you’re protesting for; you should be able to have the opportunity to protest for anything. I really hope President Armstrong represents Cal Poly in a way that shows we’re trying to increase diversity. We are open to verbal discussion and a discord of ideas and we encourage that.”
Nathan Munoz, physics freshman
“This is a [historically] white institution. It would be nice to see [Armstrong] show up a little bit more when it comes to things like [protests].”
Angaleena Ortiz, agricultural business freshman
