Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter and CEO of fintech giant Square, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by voicing his support for anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University. Jack Dorsey ‘s social media posts critiquing law enforcement’s response to the protesters have drawn accusations of anti-Semitism. This has raised concerns about Jack Dorsey ‘s influence on public discourse.
Backing the Protesters
Dorsey’s involvement in the controversy began when he shared and endorsed several messages on X (formerly Twitter) that were critical of the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) handling of the situation. Scores of protesters were arrested after they were forcibly evicted from a building they had occupied at Columbia University.
Endorsing Controversial Comparisons
Dorsey approved of a post by left-leaning podcaster Kyle Kulinsky, who compared the Columbia protesters to demonstrators who rallied against the Iraq and Vietnam wars. Kulinsky suggested that these protesters, initially “smeared and hated,” were later proven correct, and expressed astonishment that people did not recognize the parallels with the current situation.
Questioning Law Enforcement Tactics
Dorsey also commented on a video showing a vehicle used to transport NYPD personnel to the protest site, expressing concern over the “alarming” level of military equipment used by local police. “This has been all over the country for over a decade,” he wrote, highlighting the militarization of law enforcement.
Reposting Critical Commentary
Dorsey’s X feed on Tuesday included reposting several comments from left-leaning and independent commentators denouncing the response to the Columbia protesters. One post by journalist Simon Ateba described the US as “turning into a police state,” while another by journalist Caitlin Johnstone sarcastically critiqued the hypothetical scenario if Trump had won the 2020 election.
Accusations of Anti-Semitism
Dorsey’s support for the anti-Israel protesters has sparked accusations of anti-Semitism. X user Laura Loomer labelled him a “Jew hater” and accused him of supporting Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. Others expressed concern that Dorsey, as the former owner of Twitter, could have influenced public discourse during election cycles.
Past Political Leanings
While Dorsey has expressed support for various political candidates across the ideological spectrum, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, his recent actions have aligned with left-leaning causes. Last year, he indicated that he would support Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in his long-shot bid for the presidency, and he has also contributed to the campaigns of Democratic primary candidates Tulsi Gabbard and Andrew Yang.
Ongoing Debate
The controversy surrounding Dorsey’s support for the anti-Israel protesters has reignited debates about the role of tech moguls in shaping public discourse and their potential influence on political and social movements. As the backlash continues, observers are eager to see how Dorsey will address the accusations and whether his stance will impact his businesses and public image.Â
Jack Dorsey’s backing of anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University has sparked outrage and accusations of anti-Semitism, highlighting the highly polarized nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His critiques of law enforcement tactics and endorsement of controversial comparisons have reignited discussions about the influence of tech moguls on public discourse and the boundaries of free speech. As the debate rages on, Dorsey’s actions have once again thrust him into the spotlight, casting doubt on his ability to remain an impartial arbiter of public discourse.