“‘Death to America’ Post Ignites Outrage as Accuracy in Media Returns Billboard Truck to Columbia”
March 17, 2026
As war broke out between the United States and Iran, an alarming social media post from the activist group Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) drew renewed scrutiny to the climate on campus at Columbia University.
CUAD, which describes itself on X as “proudly unaffiliated with Columbia University,” posted the phrase “Marg bar Amrika,” a Persian slogan that translates to “Death to America.” The post quickly went viral, sparking backlash online.
Following the post, Accuracy in Media’s president, Adam Guillette, brought our infamous billboard truck back to Columbia’s campus. The mobile billboard highlighted dozens of individuals identified as leaders within the CUAD coalition and questioned why none of the listed groups had publicly condemned the “Death to America” message. Guillette also interviewed members of the campus on camera for their reactions.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to individuals connected with the group. One such figure is Johannah King-Slutzky, a former spokesperson for CUAD. After pro-Hamas students took over Columbia’s Hamilton Hall in 2024, King-Slutzky went viral after she demanded humanitarian food aid for protesters while the occupation unfolded. She was arrested and suspended by the university, but Columbia later hired her after she graduated.
The same takeover gained national attention after university janitor Mario Torres described his experience of being trapped inside the building during the protest. Torres later recounted being “kidnapped” and fearing for his safety as demonstrators occupied the facility.
Accuracy in Media has previously taken steps to spotlight activists connected to the CUAD coalition. Over the past several years, we purchased more than 3,000 domain names associated with leaders from over 90 groups aligned with the coalition. We have used the sites to document these activists’ public statements and involvement.
Columbia University maintains that Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) is not an officially recognized or affiliated student organization. The distinction allows the university to distance itself from the group’s rhetoric and actions while the movement continues to organize on campus.
Visit ColumbiaHatesAmerica.com to send one message directly to the Board of Trustees at Columbia University. Universities that allow anti-American activism to flourish on campus should face consequences, including the loss of federal funding.