NY congressman tells Columbia he wants to give students graduation 'they deserve'

Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, R-N.Y., speaks alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., at Columbia University on April 24, 2024, in New York City. (Alex Kent/Getty Images)

Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, R-N.Y., penned a letter to Columbia President Minouche Shafik on Wednesday, asking for a list of graduating students from his district so that he can organize for them "the graduation ceremony they deserve" after the Ivy League school canceled its main commencement ceremony. 

D’Esposito said he finds it "appalling that Columbia University students have been deprived of their commencement ceremony," noting how, for some, "graduating from higher education is the pinnacle of their life thus far – an important milestone celebrated by family, friends and loved ones." 

Many of the college seniors this May missed out on their high school graduation ceremonies four years ago in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"These students have worked extremely hard, invested a tremendous amount of money, and succeeded in meeting requirements to proudly graduate," the letter obtained by Fox News Digital said. "Your inability to maintain order on campus, keep students safe and end hate-filled violence has led to this." 

D'Esposito asked that Shafik "provide a list of students who call New York’s Fourth Congressional District home, and I will work with community leaders and partners in government to provide them with the graduation ceremony they deserve." 

"Leadership at Columbia has failed these students," he added. "We won’t fail them as well."