Columbia University has agreed to a settlement of $395,000 with a student who was suspended for using a foul-smelling spray on student protesters during a demonstration in support of Palestine. The spray was initially thought to be a chemical agent, but Columbia clarified that it was actually a non-toxic fart spray purchased from Amazon for $26.11.
The student, who is Israeli, had been suspended until May and filed a lawsuit against Columbia in April, claiming that he used the spray as a form of free speech. However, the students who were targeted reported symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, and irritated eyes, with some needing medical treatment.
One student, Shay, had to go to the emergency room for symptoms like appetite loss and severe nausea, receiving a diagnosis of “chemical exposure” and requiring IV fluids and medication. The incident prompted an investigation by both the university and the New York police, who initially considered it a possible hate crime.
Following the incident, a report titled “Antisemitism on college campuses exposed” criticized the punishment as “disproportionate discipline” and accused administrators of prioritizing the needs of terrorist sympathizers over the safety of Jewish students. Shay, the student affected by the spray, expressed disappointment with the settlement and rejected the defense that it was just fart spray, citing the real impact it had on individuals.
The makers of the spray, Liquid Ass, warn of possible side effects like eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory tract irritation. Shay condemned the characterization of pro-Palestine protests as antisemitic, emphasizing the importance of activism against genocide.
The settlement and the broader implications of the incident raise questions about free speech, campus safety, and the handling of protests on college campuses. The controversy surrounding the use of the spray highlights the need for clearer guidelines and consequences for harmful actions during demonstrations.