Columbia University recently settled a legal dispute with an Israeli student, paying $395,000 in connection with a high-profile incident involving the release of a foul-smelling spray at a campus protest supporting Palestine. The student, whose suspension began in January, was initially barred from returning until May but challenged the disciplinary action in court.
Incident Sparks Confusion and Raises Safety Concerns
The incident, which took place outside the Low Library on Columbia’s campus, was initially portrayed as a chemical attack. Reports suggested that the student had used skunk spray—a substance associated with crowd control tactics in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. However, Columbia University clarified that the substance was a novelty item, Liquid Ass fart spray, purchased online for $26.11, rather than any form of chemical agent.
The student’s lawsuit, filed in April, described the use of the spray as a “harmless expression of his speech.” His legal team argued that the spray was a non-toxic product widely available for consumer purchase and did not merit the harsh disciplinary actions imposed.
Health Effects on Protestors and Medical Reports
Despite its novelty status, several students who came into contact with the spray reported experiencing adverse symptoms, including nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, and eye irritation. Some students sought medical attention due to their reactions, citing lingering discomfort. Shay, an undergraduate Jewish student who was among those exposed, recounted a visit to Mount Sinai Morningside’s emergency room after developing severe nausea and loss of appetite. Shay’s medical evaluation resulted in a diagnosis of “chemical exposure,” and treatment included intravenous fluids and medication.
Shay expressed disappointment in Columbia’s response, stating, “Assault is assault. If multiple people have to go to the hospital and get diagnosed with chemical exposure, then, ‘Oh, it was just fart spray’ is not really a defense to me.”
Investigation and Accusations of Bias
Following the incident, Columbia University and New York City police launched a formal investigation, classifying the event as a potential hate crime. In a January message to students and staff, Interim Provost Dennis Mitchell addressed the campus community, writing, “A deeply troubling incident occurred on the steps of Low Library on Friday. Numerous Columbia and Barnard students who attended a protest later reported being sprayed with a foul-smelling substance that required students to seek medical treatment.”
The fallout extended beyond Columbia’s campus, sparking national scrutiny. The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, led by Republican members, published a report titled “Antisemitism on College Campuses Exposed,” which criticized Columbia’s handling of the case as “disproportionate discipline.” The report argued that the university had failed to adequately protect Jewish students in light of pro-Palestine protests.
Committee chair Virginia Foxx voiced strong disapproval in a statement, saying, “For over a year, the American people have watched antisemitic mobs rule over so-called elite universities, but what was happening behind the scenes is arguably worse.” The statement further condemned university administrators, claiming they prioritized “the wants of terrorist sympathizers over the safety of Jewish students, faculty, and staff.”
Student and Public Reaction to the Settlement
The settlement has drawn mixed reactions among students and the broader public. Shay, who felt impacted by both the spray incident and the committee’s report, criticized the outcome as insufficient. “A $395,000 payout is a slap in the face,” Shay said. “My family has been very deeply impacted by antisemitism in this country and beyond, and it is just deeply offensive to reduce it to a political ploy to silence activism against the genocide, which is what this is.”
The controversy has spotlighted Columbia University’s efforts to balance freedom of expression on campus with student safety and well-being. With pro-Palestine demonstrations occurring across the country, tensions over university policies regarding protest activities and disciplinary measures continue to stir debate.
Warning on Liquid Ass and Health Implications
According to the manufacturer of Liquid Ass, potential side effects of exposure to the product include nausea, vomiting, and respiratory irritation, though the spray is not classified as toxic. These health warnings have added another layer to the incident, with some students questioning the appropriateness of such substances on campus amid rising tensions.
Columbia University and the NYPD have not yet commented on the recent settlement or addressed further inquiries. The case has underscored ongoing debates around free speech, student activism, and the responsibilities of academic institutions in mediating sensitive issues on campus.
