The encampment at Columbia University has remained peaceful and quiet overnight as student protest leaders continue negotiations with university leadership. Despite ongoing discussions, offers from school administrators are still falling short in terms of divesting and granting amnesty to students and professors involved in the protest.
During a recent meeting, a student leader shared that their representatives are currently negotiating the content of a statement from the university president that acknowledges the wrongdoing committed against protesting students. Specific incidents, such as the use of the NYPD to clear out the initial on-campus encampment, were highlighted during the discussions.
Following a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Columbia's campus last week, over 100 individuals were arrested by the NYPD on suspicion of criminal trespass. Many students participating in the protest believe that the university's reluctance to meet their divestment demands is causing delays in the negotiation process.
Furthermore, students are advocating for complete amnesty for all individuals involved in the protest, including students and professors. They have rejected the school's proposal that would require a commitment to refrain from future protests on school grounds in exchange for amnesty.
