Columbia University Anti-Israel Protests Spoofed on "Saturday Night Live

Kenan Thompson's character hilariously portrays a parent's perspective on student protests, mocking their motivations and questioning the value of their education.

Kenan Thompson, the talented comedian of "Saturday Night Live," took a humorous jab at the ongoing anti-Israel protests on college campuses during the show's cold open on Saturday. Thompson played the father of a Columbia University student, providing a comical commentary on the motivations and tactics of the protesters.

Thompson's character, known for his quick wit and relatable humor, initially praised young people for standing up for what they believed in. However, when questioned about his own daughter's involvement, Thompson revealed his true feelings: "She better have her butt in class."

The comedian poked fun at the protesters' decision to occupy Hamilton Hall, an academic building on Columbia's campus. "That's good for y'alls' kids, but they ain't mine," Thompson quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

The character went on to express his frustration with the high cost of tuition, claiming to work tirelessly to cover the $68,000 annual fees. He mocked his daughter's intended degree in African-American studies, saying, "Little girl, you've been Black your whole life. You know what it is."

Thompson's character concluded his rant by vowing to ensure that his daughter would graduate from Columbia, even if he had to hold the ceremony himself. "This girl started her college during COVID," he said. "Had me out here paying $68,000 for tuition, and she is at my house taking classes on Zoom, learning about the applied history of the BET Awards. Man, if she don’t walk — Columbia is going to be on the news for something else!"

The sketch resonated with many viewers, particularly parents who have sent their children to college with high expectations. Thompson's portrayal of a frustrated father captured the concerns and anxieties associated with the current campus climate, where protests and activism often clash with the pursuit of academic excellence.

Columbia University, which has been the site of anti-Israel demonstrations, announced the closure of its campus "until circumstances allow otherwise" following the student occupation of Hamilton Hall. Police cleared the building on Tuesday, arresting several protesters.

Similar protests have taken place at other universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where police clashed with demonstrators in violent confrontations. The protests have raised concerns about campus safety and the potential impact on academic activities.

Student activists have criticized Israeli actions in the recent conflict with Hamas, demanding that universities divest from companies linked to the country. However, critics have argued that the protests have become overly politicized and that they infringe on the rights of students with opposing views.

As the protests continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how universities will balance the rights of protesters with the need to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.